The Alumni Governing Board is a group of alumni who give of their time through service to the University , as well as financially support the University. They help in leading the Alumni Association and participating in the planning of campus events such as Homecoming and Heritage on the Hill weekend, and to encourage contributions intellectually, financially and spiritually to Shorter University.
READ A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Alumni Governing Board meeting on January 26, 2013 in Atlanta.
College of Adult & Professional Programs alumni with CAPP Executive Director of Enrollment at Alumni Governing Board meeting in Atlanta on January 26, 2013.
DARRELL BLACK ('75)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Bio coming soon!
RICK CLELAND ('65)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members: Wife of 38 years- Trudy; three grown children – Andrea, Victoria, Scott; eight grandchildren – ages 5 to 17.
Years of service as a Shorter Volunteer:
2012 - 2013
What are your hobbies and interests?
Writing novels - 5 have been published
Books Published:
Working for KBR in Iraq – an Exercise of Frustration
GOTCHA – Al Qaeda Strikes Again
SLEEPERS – The Secret Agents of Al Qaeda
The Unwitting Assassin – The Murder of JFK
Working on:
My Year in Vietnam (1967-68)
The Enemy Within – A Book of Poetry
Member of:
British Society of Poets
International Society of Poets
American Society of Poets
American Poetry of Society
International Who’s Who in Poetry
Military Career:
Decorations:
National Defense Service
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal with 4 Stars
Combat Action Decoration
Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Commendation
Navy Unit Citation
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry
Civil Action Medal (Medical Assistance)
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
Actually graduating- imagine that? (I wasn’t much of a scholar!) My favorite professors were Professor Phillip F. C. Greear, Dr. Hoy Taylor, Prof. Tom Lagow, and Prof. Jesse Austin.
NICK DONEGAN ('10)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2012
What are your hobbies and interests?
Sports, Fishing and Reading
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
The times I spent with friends.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
Because Shorter wasn’t just where I went to school, it’s who I was.
Carrie Fitzsimmons ('08)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members:
I am engaged! My soon-to-be husband’s name is Matthew Rigdon and we will be married in June 2013. He is a Carson-Newman grad, but he also loves Shorter!
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2013
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy antique shopping, interior design, reading, writing, baking, church activities, spending time with my family, hiking, and music. I also enjoy spending time in my hometown surrounded by the beautiful mountains of North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. I am interested in social media and public relations--which is probably a good because that is my line of work!
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
I have so many fond memories of Shorter. Some of my best memories include the faculty and staff who poured their hearts into the students on the Hill. I loved how we all felt like one big family. I also enjoyed serving the Shorter community as SGA president my senior year.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
I give my time, talent, and treasure to Shorter University because I was fortunate enough to benefit from someone doing the same thing for me when I was a student. I am so thankful for alumni who gave to Shorter so that I could have a chance to benefit from a wonderful education and experience. I believe in the young people at Shorter University and I want to do all I can to ensure they have a great experience like I had. It changed my life. Because of my faith, I believe to whom much is given, much is required. Because of this, I feel led to invest in the lives of others.
VICKIE BOWEN HENRY ('71)
President of the Alumni Governing Board/Association
Member of the AGB since 2001
President for 2 years
Family members:
Rev. Reginald C. Henry (spouse), Ashley and Philadelphia Henry (son and daughter-in-law)
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
40 years as a volunteer, 15 years as a leader of the class of 1971 and 2 ½ years as President.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Remaining an active member in the Shorter Family.
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
Epsilon Sigma
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
I guess that I could sum it up in several words: Love, Loyalty, Labor and Link. Because of my years on the Hill, I have a special love for the people that became my family during those years. According to a tradition, there should be an unbreakable loyalty to family members which explains why I have continued to labor to keep my class close and connected to each other, not only to other classmates but also to the school. I am a link... linking people to
people and the school.
Branaman (Branny) Holder ('01)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members:
Polly (spouse), Meredith (daughter)
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2013
What are your hobbies and interests?
Following Shorter and Georgia Tech football and basketball, officiating junior high school and high school football (Member of Georgia Football Officials Association) and golf
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
The association I had with my professors that were totally focused on my success.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
Shorter was there when I chose to complete my degree. I am proud of the administration at Shorter and what they represent. It is an honor to be a graduate of Shorter University.
HANNAH LUCAS ('07)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Bio coming soon!
ALICIA ANDERSON MADDEN ('89)
Alumni Governing Board Member, Nominating Committee
Family members:
Kevin Madden ’90 (spouse), Michael, Noah & Taylor (sons)
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2011-present
What are your hobbies and interests?
Our family recently moved back home after 14 years abroad in missions. It is a joy to entertain guests in our home and fellowship. Over the past 25 years I have collected Christmas ornaments and enjoy transforming our home each December with more than 15 trees, a nativity collection and other decorations celebrating Christ’s birth.
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
I entered into my relationship with Christ while a student at Shorter and came to understand that God had wonderful plans for my life that were beyond anything I had hoped or imagined. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Additionally, I built lifelong friendships with men and women that remain a significant part of my life. Please share why you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
God reshaped and remade me while I was a student at Shorter University. Not only did I gain a wonderful education that served me well but I grew as a person into a confident, compassionate, Christ-like woman. I came to understand my passion and my purpose. I want to invest in Shorter so future generations will have that same opportunity for growth and transformation on the Hill.
KEVIN MADDEN ('90)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members:
Alicia Anderson Madden ’89 (spouse), Michael, Noah & Taylor (sons)
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2012-13
What are your hobbies and interests?
Cooking, camping, missions
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
Meeting my beautiful wife.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
I believe God is using Shorter University to shape the lives of students as they learn and grow in a Christian environment.
ANNE MARIE MITCHELL ('06)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Bio coming soon!
CHIP MITCHELL ('02, '03, '08)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Bio coming soon!
LISA HOWELL NELSON ('90)
Alumni Governing Board Member, Secretary
Family members:
I am married to Jason Nelson and am the proud mother of Baleigh (age 12) and Carter (age 9)
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
I have volunteered in several capacities since graduating in 1990, but have served on the AGB since 2000 or 2001 and have served as the Secretary since 2006.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I am an avid reader, usually reading 6 or 7 novels per month. I also enjoy sports, more as a spectator than participant these days. I particularly enjoy basketball, whether it's March Madness, the Model High Lady Blue Devils, or The Rec League's Lady Dragons (Baleigh's team). I am currently serving as a member of Pepperell Middle School's Local School Governance Team, and have been a mentor in Floyd County Schools since 2005. I also operate Tailor Made Tutors, which is a private tutoring service designed to locate qualified tutors for students in a variety of academic areas.
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
My best memories would have to be from Pledge week during my freshman year (1986). I had been largely a "hermit" beforehand, rarely venturing from my dorm, and had made very few friends. My inclusion in Epsilon Sigma, however, connected me firmly to Shorter, and also introduced me to some fabulous women, many of whom I still count as my closest friends.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
I gained SO much more than a college degree from Shorter. I have gained friendships and relationships that have continued to bless me. Not only am I connected with faculty, staff, and classmates from my time at Shorter, I have whole new "branch" of Shorter family in the AGB. God has blessed me so much more than I ever imagined or deserve, and I can never repay Him for that, so I feel that what I CAN do is to "pay it forward" by serving in whatever way I can that will bring Him glory. My blessings have come largely in the form of relationships rather than money, so while I am unable to give Shorter as much "treasure" as I would like, I am blessed to have the flexibility in my daily life to give of my time and talents.
JORDAN PEACE ('11)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2012-2013
What are your hobbies and interests?
Spending time with my fiancé, reading
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience? My Ep Sig sisters and lifelong friends
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
Because I love Shorter.
MARY SHOTWELL SMITH (MA '10)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members:
Husband, Ernie (Class of ‘69), daughter, Ruth Anne, twin sons, Andrew (Class of ‘10) and Patrick. Three grandsons - Keipris and twins, Caleb and Elijah.
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
Employed as Director of Student Health Services since August 1996.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Knitting, crocheting, painting, baking, singing and playing the piano.
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
My fondest Shorter memory was the moment I walked across the stage to receive my Masters degree. The students, faculty and staff came together in one loud, thunderous roar and I couldn’t believe they were doing that for me. Over all the noise, my son Andrew, yelled “I love you, Mom.” It was one of the happiest moments of my life.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
Shorter University has invested in my life through a great education and longtime employment, and I feel a deep sense of loyalty to her. When you love something deeply, you want to share it with others. You want to protect and nurture it and watch it grow. I want those seeking a challenging education in a wholesome environment to learn about the incredibly unique experience that is found on our campus.
DAPHNE STEEDLEY SCOTT ('90)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members:
Husband – Raymond D. Scott; daughters – Julia Caroline (13), Sydney Elizabeth “Libby” (12), Lulu – our Chinese Crested Powderpuff (6)
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2011- present
What are your hobbies and interests?
Singing, playing the piano, cooking, watching the SEC dominate.
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
There are too many to choose a favorite, but I recount with great pride having my English paper read aloud by Dr. Sara Wingard in our Freshman English Class; Dr. Dewitt’s McBoo lunch pail; beautiful music in Chorale and Christmas Madrigals and ANY compliment I received from Mr. Ramsaur in my voice lessons.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
My time at Shorter was so transitional – I learned so much about my major, but I also learned many valuable lessons about people and how God uses every circumstance in our lives for good and to make us more like Christ. There were many teachers and friendswho invested so much in me - I want to be invested in Shorter and its family, and hopefully be an encouragement to them as well.
CHERYL SMITH ('91)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members:
Stephen, Meagan & Mackenzie
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2012
What are your hobbies and interests?
Reading, playing and watching sports
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
Building close friendships that continue today.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
I loved my time at Shorter and hope to see more young people grow to love it as well. Also, my daughter is a freshman at Shorter this year, so I am even more eager to be involved on “the Hill."
STEVE SMITH ('92)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members:
Cheryl Smith, Meagan Smith, Mackenzie Smith
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2012
What are your hobbies and interests?
Bluegrass music, politics and sports
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
Sophomore Secret Sabots, Greek Life, caring professors like Dub Darville and Peter Jordan that kept me in line!
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
The value of my experiences at Shorter is immeasurable. I hope that other “knuckleheads” like me can receive the same positive influence in their lives as I did. It is imperative that we continue the tradition of caring for our Shorter students.
LEON STAPLES ('09)
Vice President, Alumni Governing Board
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2012-2013
What are your hobbies and interests?
Volunteering, reading, home improvement projects
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
The first time I was on The Hill! Being greeted by everyone I saw, the pleasant smiles and the ability of everyone to make me feel at home! I shared more handshakes and hugs than I can remember!
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
I truly believe that Shorter University is a special place, with special people and can give an experience unlike any other institution. I give my time because the entire Shorter Family makes my input feel welcome and valued and there is a lot of room for growing the Shorter Family overall.
LADONNA TURRENTINE ('89)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members:
Married to Steve Turrentine (’90) and have three children – Rachael age 19, Dow (’16) age 18, and AnnaGrace age 14
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2012-2013
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy reading Karen Kingsbury and Lori Wick novels, playing tennis, and watching my kids play sports.
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
I have several fond memories while at Shorter…meeting my husband, experiencing Dr. Sara Wingard’s class, pledging Epsilon Sigma, and making lifelong friends.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
I give back to Shorter because my Shorter experience was invaluable to me. Seeing my peers live out their faith and be genuine in their faith, encouraged me to make God real in my life. My desire is to give back what I was given!
STEVE TURRENTINE ('90)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Family members:
I am married to La Donna Rabern Turrentine (class of ’89) and we have 3 children: Rachael (age 19), Dow (age 18 and class of 2016), and AnnaGrace (age 14)
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
2012-2013
What are your hobbies and interests?
Church, family, reading, & sports.
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
Meeting my wife, having professors that genuinely cared about me (Dub Darville and others), and playing baseball.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
During my time at Shorter, the faculty and staff gave so much to me that it seemed only natural to give back. I am also excited to see how God is using Shorter to transform lives.
ANDY WADE ('85)
Alumni Governing Board Member, Alumni Awards Committee and Athletics Committee
Family members:
Mother, Judi Wade & brother, Phil Wade, brother, Danny Wade and families.
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer:
6 months
What are your hobbies and interests?
Shorter Athletics, social networking, church (member of West Rome Baptist).
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
The brotherhood of Phi Delta Tau, togetherness and camaraderie. Post graduation fondest memory is being inducted into the Shorter University Athletic Hall of Fame.
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
My love for the school and being a part of the Athletic family has made me feel more connected to the Shorter Family as a whole. I love being a Hawk!
LACHOSHA (LASHELL) WILLIAMS ('00)
Alumni Governing Board Member
Volunteer position: Shorter Alumni Professional Committee, Rockdale County Library Trustee, Georgia Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP), American Business Women Association (ABWA), National MBA Association and service to various Ministries & Charities
Years of service as a Shorter University volunteer: 2013
What are your hobbies and interests?
Interior Design, Scrapbooking, Golf, Horseback Riding, Live Jazz, Art, Yoga, Traveling, Poetry, and Writing (published two motivational books with more on the way)
What is your fondest memory from your Shorter experience?
Study groups
Real world experiences shared by Professors
Why do you give your time, talent and treasure to Shorter University?
My degree from Shorter was pivotal on my journey for success personally, academically and professionally. My classes were challenging and very enriching throughout my business program. Before I graduated, I always wondered if my BSBA degree would empower me to reach my career aspirations and it did. Quite naturally, I’m sure that current and future students have concerns about their ROI here and I want to confirm that Shorter is a valuable choice. After I accomplished my goals, it was my responsibility to share the good news about where and what the Shorter University road can lead to with determination, perseverance and faith.
