Shorter University Trustees adopt new logo and faith statements for the university

October 25, 2011 - In its fall meeting, the Shorter University Board of Trustees made several exciting policy decisions to further enhance the university in achieving its mission as a Christ-centered university committed to academic excellence.

Among the measures approved was a new logo and seal, which incorporate the university’s mission into its visual brand. The new logo and seal feature the motto, “Transforming Lives through Christ,” along with the previously existing university shield, which includes the cross and the lamp of learning.

Introduced this summer, the motto is a way to consistently communicate Shorter’s purpose as a Christian higher education institution. “We want to let everyone know that Shorter is a Christ-centered academic community that is committed to glorifying God through every academic discipline,” said Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless, who worked with his President’s Cabinet to craft the motto.

The Trustees also adopted several new policy statements, including a Philosophy for Christian Education, Biblical Principles on the Integration of Faith and Learning, a Statement of Faith for the university, and a Personal Lifestyle Statement for university employees.

The documents were approved by the Board on Friday, Oct. 21, and presented to the Shorter faculty and staff on Monday, Oct. 24. Trustee Chair-Elect Joe Frank Harris, Jr. and Board Member Dr. Don Hattaway were at the meeting to represent the Board of Trustees. Mr. Harris talked about the importance of building with continuity upon the foundation that was laid by the previous administration. He quoted from an Oct. 23, 2008, issue of The Christian Index in which then-Shorter University President Dr. Harold E. Newman said that it is important for Shorter faculty and staff “to understand the mission of Shorter, understand that we are a school of Baptist heritage, and that we are an institution of the Georgia Baptist Convention. They must understand the environment in which they work, and they must be loyal to that environment.”

Mr. Harris also conveyed the Board’s purpose in crafting these documents, saying “The ‘why’ is really simple: What you stand for matters. Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us to ‘Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.’ If we acknowledge Him, He will make this university’s path straight.”

Dr. Dowless praised the board’s action as a positive step. “The Shorter University Board of Trustees approved a Statement of Faith for the university, and we applaud their actions as a continuing affirmation of our Christ-centered mission,” he said. “We believe our strong academic programs and our absolute commitment to Jesus Christ will continue to attract stellar students, faculty, and staff.”

In other Board action, the Trustees issued a commendation recognizing President Dowless for his leadership in branding Shorter as a Christ-centered university.

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christian university committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South’s best baccalaureate colleges, and The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its lists of best value and best Southeastern colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degree programs in 48 major areas as well as undergraduate degree programs for working adults, master’s programs, and online courses and degrees. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu.

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