DR.TAJ SHOTWELL - TAJ SHOTWELL PRODUCTIONS,LLC

I've educated college students in business and education leadership for over 30 years. I was also very active in the performing arts. Since retirement, I continue to use my experiences to contribute to young people’s success -no matter what career or field is chosen. As the middle child of eleven, living off our father’s retired military pension, and as a divorced parent without support, I learned strong work ethics at an early age with no complaints or excuse. Therefore, I made reasonable goals  and usually completed what I started. For example: I was determined to get an advanced education. It took me nine years to complete my undergraduate degree. It took an additional fifteen years to pay off  loans for the graduate and terminal degrees. Out of the several life-lessons I learned, the one that sticks to my mind and heart the most is “…the key to success is preparation.” 

In 1979, after grad school and working as an accountant, I wrote a story called Maggie: Never Bitter  (MNB) in a theatre format. I set the play on the shelf and revisited it over the years. In 1987 after completing my doctorate, I wrote a unique concept on a 7th-12th grade business and performing arts preparatory boarding school called The Business of Arts Academy International, Inc. (BAAI).  I’ve completed the business plan, budget, handbook, and wrote the school anthem.  

I refinanced my home to hire a music composer to develop a soundtrack for the 16 songs I wrote  for  MNB. The scripts were reviewed by a several professionals.  MNB evolved from a book to a family and faith drama feature-length musical play and screenplay.  After much re-development, it received several international contest awards for the best musical screenplay and best song. It had public readings at FAMU, and recently, a live stage musical production in Chicago. 

Through my countless preparations over many years, my ultimate goal is to see that Maggie: Never Bitter is worthy to draw a four-quadrant audience and to use the  proceeds to build the BAAI campus. I will continue to seek guidance and support until each project's fruition.  I own 100% rights for scripts, books, songs, and music. 

Any directions, guidance, support are greatly appreciated. Feel free to contact me.

Dr. TAJ SHOTWELL is an educator, novelist, screenwriter, playwright, lyricist, poet, executer producer, and fitness instructor. Sole Owner of TAJ Shotwell Productions, LLC. A small B2B enterprise that writes stories for production and enjoyment.

EARLY YEARS: Shotwell was born as Theresa Ann James, ’TAJ’, in Fort Eustis, Virginia, the sixth child of eleven children, and raised by a mobile Army career sergeant and a gospel singer/ homemaker both from Memphis during segregation. She graduated in 1968 from Melrose High School in Orange Mound, a historic neighborhood located in southeast Memphis, Tennessee. 

EDUCATION AND HONORS: Shotwell earned a Doctor of Education degree in Organization & Leadership at the University of San Francisco in 1987. Shotwell also received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a master’s degree in International Business Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. 

Shotwell holds a California Life Community College Teaching Credential. For her tireless community services, she earned an Honorary Degree of Juris Doctor from the University of Northern California-Lorenzo Patino School of Law and received a California Senate Rules Committee Resolution by President Pro Tempore - Senator David Roberti in 1992 for her service on the Small Business Committee. 

 PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCES: As an accountant/auditor Shotwell worked five years  in  with Morris, Davis & Co, a CPA  in the Bay Area, California.  Then managed her own firm for about eight years while teaching part-time in accounting and software application at various Bay Area colleges and universities.

In 1989, Shotwell began her full-time teaching career in business.  in 1993, she accepted a position with Florida A&M University (FAMU)  School of Business and Industry where she taught accounting, fundamental concepts, and participated in the professional development program.  In 1998, she transferred to the College of Education where she chaired the Business and Technology Education (BTE) department and taught in its bachelor and master programs. She also taught the Ph.D. candidates in the Department of Educational Leadership. Shotwell published several scholarly research articles in the business and education fields. As faculty, Shotwell performed with the FAMU Orchesis Contemporary Dance Company for three years,

Shotwell developed a three-credit course and related textbook materials for undergraduate students at the FAMU College of Education called “EDG3302-Professional Development for Pre-Service Teachers”. The over-enrolled courses included students from many majors. Shotwell later modified the curriculum to benefit all the majors.

Shotwell researched and re-wrote the textbook, “Professional Development for Pre-professionals in All Majors and Careers”. The book was accepted by a major publishing company. Instead, to minimize students’ cost, the textbook was printed and distributed by FAMU, and Shotwell humbly did not receive proceeds. Years later, the textbook was updated and published-- intended that many students of all majors would benefit from Shotwell’s knowledge and experiences. The book became a #1 Best Seller on Amazon in June 2017. It ranked 44 out 87 of the Best Sellers in the world in the professional development field. Shotwell retired from FAMU in late 2011 as a fully honored Professor. 

COMMUNITY SERVICES AND HONORS:

Shotwell served many years on committees and boards for the university, K-12 schools, the Tallahassee Regional Airport Advisory Board, BISI- Brandt Information Services Inc-Advisory Board, and Martin Luther King Foundation, Inc. board.
Shotwell received several honors and awards for her dedicated community service including:

FAMU - Teacher of the Year Award; University Honors Convocation Marshall; Faculty Research Scholar-Teacher for New Era.  Manchester Who's Whom Among Executive and Professional Women, "Memphis Living Legends Award" and the Marquis's Who's Who for her service and accomplishments.

 OTHER PUBLISHED BOOKS  AND PROJECT: The non-fiction book of poetry/short stories, “Family and Faith Poetry”, is a memoir of eight generations who lived in or near Shotwell’s hometown, Memphis, and her international travels. Shotwell wrote historical family based novels and short stories including the “Middle Child” series (3 parts) based on her life in Memphis.

 As a playwright, screenwriter,  and songwriter,  Shotwell wrote the fiction novel, “Maggie: Never Bitter.”  The related musical was read at Florida A&M University Essential Theatre in 2006 and 2022. It received great reviews.  The16 songs for Maggie Never Bitter  were  published  by TuneCore and registered with BMI. The album is sold on Apple, iTunes, and can be heard on YouTube . The screenplay and theme song  received several international awards.

SPECIAL PROJECT

Shotwell is the founder and president of the upcoming +Business of of Arts Academy International, Inc. (BAAI), a planned preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 7 through 12. The academy integrates business and performing arts education, reflecting Shotwell’s lifelong commitment to combine creativity with professional development. She also wrote the school’s anthem, “Dear BAAI.” Shotwell  invites professionals with similar visions and expertise to join her in reaching the school’s goals and fruition. The concept was developed through her educational experience and business expertise, and the curriculum centers on her textbook Professional Development for Pre-Professionals. The institution aims to provide opportunities for young artists to gain both creative and practical career skills.

HOBBIES AND PERSONAL: Shotwell enjoys a healthy lifestyle as a certified Aerobics and Fitness Instructor. Since 2004, she has taught dance fitness classes throughout the US and abroad for all ages. She enjoys international travel. Shotwell has one child and two grandchildren.