PHOTO GALLERY

Local business leaders share interview, job tips with students as part of “Shorter Connects” event                       

March 26, 2010 - Shorter College students received valuable interview tips and career insights from a panel of business leaders and professionals during the first ever “Shorter Connects” event Wednesday night.

Sponsored by Shorter College and Belk, the event brought together more than 60 Shorter students and 15 local business leaders for a time of networking and idea sharing. A fashion show featuring Shorter College students was held in conjunction with the event. Students modeled attire appropriate for job interviews and careers; the clothing was provided by Belk department store.

Students also had a question and answer session with business professionals from the Rome community. Members of the professional panel included City of Rome Mayor Wright Bagby; Ember Bishop, director of marketing and promotions of Rome Radio Partners; James Coughlin, director of professional recruitment and retention at Floyd Medical Center; Ken Fincher, vice president of institutional advancement at Shorter College; Scotty Hancock, director and communication coordinator for the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency; Morris Lively, retired superintendent and probation officer with the Georgia Department of Corrections; Britt Madden Jr., corporate education liaison for Shorter College’s Professional Studies Program; M.L. “Bud” Owens, director of emergency medical services for Floyd Medical Center; Stephanie Owens, vice president and chief financial officer for Shorter College; John Pillsbury, retired from Georgia Power Management and current Rome Kiwanis Club member; Dr. Lynn Plunkett, superintendent of Floyd County Schools; Lisa Powers, registered nurse and Health and Wellness coordinator for Floyd Medical Center; Willie Mae Samuel, educator, community leader and founder of African-American Connection of the Performing Arts, Inc.; Mark Wallace, captain of the Floyd County Police Department and Susan Zeird, CPA and controller for Shorter College.

Shorter student Shuan Kennedy speaks with Floyd County EMA director Scotty Hancock and Floyd County Police Captain Mike Wallace.

“This first Shorter Connects event was a huge success due to the gracious sharing of time and knowledge by the professionals panel and the students who came ready to ask questions and learn,” said Shorter College Career Coordinator and event organizer Joan Ledbetter. “It was a very helpful event for our students. Shorter thanks the many community individuals who gave of themselves to help our students on their career paths and the many local businesses that contributed the wonderful door prizes.”

Shorter students participating in the fashion show included Michael Bruce, Jasmine Cameron, Cheryl Culp, Candace Edwards, Justin Griffin, Jamie Hopkins, Tabatha Jenkins, Shaun Kennedy, Mary Kate Lollar, Charnita McIntosh, David Mwamba, Garry Perks, Reginald Reid, Whitney Ringer, Seth Selman, Marchello Sinkfield, Jessica Smith, Valerie Stone, Kyle Timberlake, Troyanna Vickers, Laura Watson, Anne Marie Whitener, Jared Williams and Dominique Woods.

Founded in 1873, Shorter College is a Christian college committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South’s best baccalaureate colleges. The college offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 48 major areas as well as undergraduate degree programs for working adults, the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Arts in Leadership. Online courses are also available. Shorter will transition to university status June 1, 2010. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu.

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