Shorter heads into 150th year with campus improvements, academic momentum

ROME, Ga.  – Shorter University begins celebrating its 150th anniversary year this Fall, having completed several major capital improvements just in time for students’ arrival back on campus. Building projects, including dorm renovations, new science labs, and athletic facility upgrades, are being completed in time for the University’s sesquicentennial academic year. All the improvements made during the last year have enhanced the function, look, and feel of the campus community.

“Shorter University has been positively influencing the world for 150 years by preparing our students for Christ-centered success anywhere they go in the world. We are so thankful that our recent campus improvements will benefit our current and future students in continuation of that great tradition,” said Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless. “We want our students to have an experience that is second to none, and we are fortunate that resources have been available to fund these campus enhancements.”

Dowless said some $2.7 million in projects have either been completed or are currently in progress, including:

• Campus Buildings and Dormitories: Townes, Cooper, Van Hoose, Alumni, Bagley, and the Bass Apartments, have received renovations ranging from new HVAC units to new interior painting and flooring. Additional campus buildings receiving similar upgrades were Sheffield-Thompson, Thornwood Campus, High Acres, Livingston Library, Nurse’s Office, Fitton Student Union, Minor Fine Arts, Winthrop-King Centre, and the Dining Hall.
• Four Science Labs: a generous $500,000 gift from the Ware family has allowed the renovation of all laboratories.
• Technology Improvements: upgraded Wi-Fi for all student areas, dorms, administrative offices, and replacement of computers for classrooms, computer labs, and faculty and staff.
• Weight Room: the addition of new mirrors and TVs funded by a $40,000 gift from a longtime supporter and parent.

“We are also thankful for the academic and athletic momentum that we have as we enter this new academic year,” Dowless said. “Shorter’s Online Sport Management Degree has been ranked #1 in the country for 2022 by Intelligent Rankings, and we have the #1 teacher preparation program in the state based on the Preparation Program Effectiveness Measure from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, which issues teacher certification.

“And last but certainly not least, our athletic teams continue to compete in the tough Gulf South Conference this season. We have seen great success and progress among all our men’s and women’s teams,” Dowless said. He noted several key athletic academic accolades in particular:

• 114 Shorter student-athletes made the Gulf South Conference Honor Roll
• Shorter Softball had a team GPA of 3.5, with eight 4.0s and 15 Dean’s List honorees.
• Women’s Soccer had 20 student-athletes on the GSC Honor Roll and earned a thrilling double-overtime win against Georgia Southwestern State early in the year.
• Men’s Basketball had 13 student-athletes above a 3.0 GPA in the classroom and the team earned multiple pre-season and early season honors.

“We are so proud not only of what our student-athletes do on the playing field, but more importantly what they mean to the community and the world. They, along with a large majority of Shorter University students and faculty, are involved in weekly Bible studies, volunteering in Rome, in their local communities, inner cities, and mission trips. They truly are a great reflection of Shorter University, their families, and their faith,” Dowless said.

“Finally, we are so excited to welcome major league baseball legend Darryl Strawberry to Shorter’s campus on December 1 for the President’s Gala,” Dowless said. “Darryl’s message of healing and hope will be a fantastic pinnacle of our 150th academic year, and will be an excellent chance for alumni, parents, and donors to be a part of continuing to build the legacy of our great University,” he said.