Shaw University Students Displaced by Dorm Fire, Staying in Hotels

Parents demand tuition reimbursements as students wait to return to campus

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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After a fire at Shaw University's Dimple Newsome Living and Learning Center, displaced students are staying in nearby hotels while the university works to find them temporary housing. Some parents are calling for tuition reimbursements and are considering having their children transfer to other schools, concerned that their credit hours may not transfer.

Why it matters

The dorm fire has disrupted the lives of Shaw University students, forcing them to temporarily relocate and raising concerns about the university's handling of the situation. This incident highlights the challenges universities face in ensuring student safety and providing adequate support during unexpected emergencies.

The details

The fire occurred on the third floor of the Dimple Newsome Living and Learning Center. Students are currently staying at the Best Western hotel in Garner, which is about an 8-mile drive and a 3.5-minute walk from the campus. The university is covering the cost of the hotel stay, but students only have access to the buffet breakfast, not other meals. There is no timeline on how long the students will remain in the hotel. Meanwhile, some parents are demanding tuition reimbursements, as their children are not able to access campus resources and facilities.

  • The fire occurred last week at the Dimple Newsome Living and Learning Center.
  • Students have been staying at the Best Western hotel for about 2 days.
  • The vacant dorm next to Dimple Newsome, Fleming Kees, did not pass its recent fire inspection on January 30.

The players

Celeste Walls

A parent whose nephew is among the students displaced by the fire and is considering transferring to another university.

Jabraye Davis

A freshman student at Shaw University who is currently staying at the Best Western hotel.

Kamilla Philips

A freshman student at Shaw University who has been told that displaced students will be moving into her dorm.

Dimple Newsome Living and Learning Center

The dorm at Shaw University that was damaged by the fire, displacing students.

Fleming Kees

The vacant dorm next to Dimple Newsome that did not pass its recent fire inspection.

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What they’re saying

“He wants to transfer at this moment because of what has recently happened. If he tried to withdraw from the school, they would not transfer, meaning he would have to start all over again.”

— Celeste Walls, Parent (abc11.com)

“I know right now they are in a hotel, but I did hear they are moving in on the first and second floor only.”

— Kamilla Philips, Freshman student (abc11.com)

What’s next

The university has not provided a timeline for when the displaced students will be able to return to their dorms. Parents are continuing to push for tuition reimbursements and clarity on the university's plans to address the situation.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of campus safety and the need for universities to have robust emergency response plans in place to support students during unexpected crises. The university's handling of the situation will be closely watched by the Shaw University community and could have lasting impacts on the institution's reputation.