About the Founder.
Jacqueline Louise Shaw is a visionary builder of institutions and a global leader known for designing and governing complex educational systems. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, she has spent twenty five years leading major educational entities in the Gulf region. Her work is defined by clarity, structure, and the ability to turn ambitious ideas into functioning institutions.
She founded three educational brands that reshaped their landscape. American International University and the American Baccalaureate School (K to 12) were built on original blueprints she created, including the academic models, operational systems, governance structures, and institutional culture. She also introduced Oxford Learning Centre to the GCC as the company’s first international franchisee. While Oxford provided its own academic framework, Jacqueline established the entire operational foundation for its entry into the region and built its presence from the ground up.
Jacqueline built each institution during different stages of her career. She launched the Oxford Learning Center in 2004, founded the American Baccalaureate School in 2006, and opened American International University to its first class in 2019. Once each institution was established, they came under her collective oversight. She operated and governed all three simultaneously, guiding thousands of students, large academic teams, and complex administrative systems while upholding international standards. Her leadership established cultures of excellence in environments where such outcomes are rare.
Jacqueline believes that institutions rise or fall on the strength of their systems and the quality of their leadership. She has dedicated her career to building environments that uphold truth, responsibility, and the highest standards of human development.
Her expertise includes executive governance, institutional design, long term strategic planning, organizational culture, and the creation of systems that hold their shape over time. She is known for building operational frameworks that eliminate confusion and raise performance across entire organizations.
Jacqueline is the mother of three adult children. Her life reflects both professional discipline and personal strength. She continues to advise leaders, universities, and global organizations seeking integrity, structure, and sustainable growth.