Shorter University

Founded in 1873 as the Cherokee Baptist Female College, Shorter University began its journey dedicated to educating young women, offering primary, preparatory, and collegiate-level instruction. Renamed Shorter Female College in 1877 to honor the generous financial contributions of Alfred and Martha Shorter, the institution established an early curriculum that was both broad and progressive for its time, encompassing science, music, art, drama, and literary works, with classes held Tuesday through Saturday.

Shorter's commitment to growth and innovation was evident through its history. Thanks to further support from the J.L. Bass and J.P. Cooper families, the university moved to its current, expansive campus just outside Rome in 1910. The 1920s marked a particularly pioneering era for Shorter, as it constructed the first indoor swimming pool in the United States, making swimming a mandatory physical education requirement for graduation. This decade also saw another significant milestone with the appointment of the first women to its board of trustees, further reflecting its progressive ethos.

Academically, Shorter solidified its reputation in the 1920s by becoming an accredited member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, an accreditation it proudly maintains today. The university also strengthened its academic offerings through membership with the National Association of Schools of Music, underscoring its commitment to excellence in the arts. Despite facing financial challenges during the Great Depression in the 1930s and World War II in the 1940s, President Paul M. Cousins led the institution with resilience, with faculty demonstrating dedication through salary cuts, ensuring the university continued its vital educational mission.