At Shorter College, we have been dedicated to providing quality education and fostering leadership since 1886. Explore our rich history and commitment to academic excellence.
Shorter College is a private, faith-based, two-year liberal arts college located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Founded in 1886 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Shorter College is one of the nation’s 110 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Shorter College’s open enrollment policy makes obtaining an associate’s level degree possible for any person having earned a high school diploma or GED completion from an accredited agency. Small, intimate classroom settings and an outstanding faculty create an enjoyable and supportive atmosphere for learning that empowers students to excel toward the pursuit of academic excellence.
Founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1886, Shorter College was established to address the educational needs of recently freed slaves. This was a very critical time, roughly over twenty years after the Civil War, when African Americans had no access to higher education. The church aimed to provide general education, while developing competent leadership among Black community.
In November 1886, under Bishop T.M.D. Ward’s leadership, the Arkansas Annual Conference formulated plans for an institution of higher learning. On September 15, 1886, Bethel University opened in the basement of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, with 109 students enrolled.
In 1888, Bethel University moved to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and opened its fifth academic year in 1891. In 1892, the Annual Conference renamed the institution Shorter University in honor of Bishop James Alexander Shorter. By 1895, under Principal F.T. Vinegar and Bishop W.B. Derrick, Shorter acquired land in North Little Rock. By 1898, operations were consolidated at 604 Locust Street, North Little Rock.
In 1903, the institution’s name was changed from Shorter University to Shorter College. The first building, Tyree Hall, was erected, marking a commitment to a permanent location at 604 Locust Street, North Little Rock.
Shorter College’s open enrollment policy was found to be beneficial for African Americans in Arkansas and later Oklahoma, filling an educational void as other institutions were not made available to them. The college once provided theological, vocational, and liberal arts programs as a four-year institution.
Shorter College transitioned to a two-year institution focusing on first-rate junior college standards. The emphasis was on physical plant development and effective administration.
Dr. H. Solomon Hill (1960-1968) constructed Sherman-Tyree Hall and a new library. Dr. John L. Phillips, Sr. (1980s) reorganized administration and achieved full accreditation by multiple associations.
Obtaining full accreditation has facilitated a smooth transition to four-year colleges for our students, allowing them to further their education and enhance their competitiveness.
Between 1998 and 2011, efforts led by Dr. Katherine P. Mitchell and Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. regained accreditation. In 2013, Shorter College was awarded full accreditation status.
New programs, including Associate of Arts degrees in various fields, were added to the catalog. Plans for new dormitories, administrative buildings, and a technology hub are also underway.
The Mission of Shorter College is to provide accessible, affordable and high-quality education for students to accomplish their academic goals by offering programs that meet the learner’s needs in a challenging and nurturing Christian environment.
The vision of Shorter College is to remain a fully accredited two-year institution and to achieve distinction as a residential Christian College that excels in providing a challenging teacher-learner environment that will create a holistic transformative individual which embodies the four C’s:
Having the necessary ability or skills. Able to do something well or well enough to meet a standard
The way someone thinks, feels, or behave. Someone's personality.
The beliefs, customs, arts, etc. of a particular society, group, place or time. a way of thinking, behaving, or working that exists in a place or organization.
The fact or status of being a citizen of a particular place. The qualities that a person is expected to have as a responsible member of a community.
Enrich academic instructional programs and student services to equip students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become scholastically and professionally productive in today’s global society.
Enrich academic instructional programs and student services to equip students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become scholastically and professionally productive in today’s global society.
Enrich academic instructional programs and student services to equip students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become scholastically and professionally productive in today’s global society.
Enrich academic instructional programs and student services to equip students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become scholastically and professionally productive in today’s global society.
Enrich academic instructional programs and student services to equip students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become scholastically and professionally productive in today’s global society.
