Shorter College may be one of the smallest HBCUs in the nation, but it is making moves that reflect a vision much larger than its size. Under the leadership of President Jeffery Norfleet, the youngest HBCU president in the country, the college has appointed Dr. Charles B.W. Prince, Ed.D., as the institution’s first Vice President of Advancement and Institutional Strategy.
The creation of this role marks a turning point in the college’s trajectory. While many small colleges are working simply to maintain stability, Shorter is building out leadership structures that will allow it to expand its reach, increase funding opportunities, and strengthen its position in higher education. Dr. Prince will lead the areas of Research and Sponsored Programs, Institutional Research and Effectiveness, and Fundraising, ensuring that growth is intentional and strategic.
Dr. Prince brings more than 16 years of higher education leadership across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Africa. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer at Virginia Union University (VUU), where he led initiatives that advanced student success, operational growth, and institutional innovation. Over the course of his career, he has raised more than $60 million in support of colleges and universities. His experience spans strategic planning, global partnerships, and building systems that directly improve student outcomes.
President Norfleet stated, “Dr. Prince’s appointment is a declaration that Shorter is not content to simply survive. We are building the systems to thrive. Our vision is bigger than our footprint, and with leaders like Dr. Prince, Shorter is ready to shape the future of HBCUs.”
The addition of Dr. Prince signals that Shorter is leaning into innovation and refusing to let its size define its impact. The college has faced challenges in the past, but this move reflects a renewed confidence in its direction and its role in preparing students for success. For students, alumni, and partners, this means Shorter is entering a new era of opportunity, one that aligns with the institution’s longstanding mission while meeting the demands of a changing educational landscape.
Shorter College, founded in 1886, is a two-year Historically Black College located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. With a longstanding commitment to academic opportunity, social justice, and second- chance education, Shorter continues to serve as a beacon of progress throughout Arkansas and beyond.
Media Contact:
Ashanti Davis
Director of Communications Shorter College