October 1, 2026
ROME, Ga. — Just weeks after announcing plans to retire at the close of the spring semester, Shorter University President Don Dowless has agreed to remain in his role for three more years following action by the school’s Board of Trustees.
The decision was announced in a statement released Monday by the board.
“The Shorter University Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that President Don Dowless and First Lady Teresa Dowless have agreed to serve at Shorter for an additional three years,” the statement said.
“We are grateful that Dr. Dowless will continue to lead Shorter in its mission of Transforming Lives Through Christ,” said Board Chair Randy Bowen in the statement.
For his part, Dowless said, “It is a high honor to continue serving at this remarkable place where Jesus Christ changes lives daily through higher education.”
In a separate statement to The Christian Index, he added, “Teresa and I felt led by our Lord to continue to serve at Shorter, and we are grateful that our Board felt the same. We love our great students, faculty, and staff.”
Now, Shorter will continue under the leadership of a president who has served the university since 2011.
During Dowless’ tenure, Shorter has emphasized its Christian identity through the motto, “Transforming lives through Christ,” a phrase he previously said captures the heart of the institution’s mission. He has consistently described the university as both an academic institution and a ministry, with a commitment to preparing students intellectually while grounding them in the gospel.
The board said it expects that mission to continue shaping the university’s future.
“The Board of Trustees and the University look forward to continued momentum and progress as Shorter builds upon its strong foundation in academic excellence, spiritual development, and community impact,” the statement said.
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