Rome, Ga. – Scott Preston, president of Synovus, Northwest Georgia Division, will be the featured speaker at Shorter University’s Commencement on Friday, May 4. The event will be held at 10 a.m. in the Forum in downtown Rome; tickets are required.

“Scott Preston is a wonderful example of a Christian business leader, and we are excited to have him as our Commencement speaker,” said Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless. “Mr. Preston has built a successful career in the banking industry while also serving the Lord and the local church as a deacon and member of various committees. He is a great friend to this institution, and I know our graduates will benefit greatly from the insights he shares.”

Mr. Preston earned the Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Valdosta State University in 1989 and the Master of Business Administration from Troy State University in 1991. He completed studies at the Graduate School of Banking, Indiana/Purdue University at Indianapolis in 1999.

He began his banking career in 1991 as a Commercial Lender. After serving in lending and sales leadership roles, he joined the Synovus Corporate office in Columbus, working in various capacities, including product development, credit administration, and treasury management. In 2004, he joined the de novo Synovus Bank of Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Executive Vice President/COO.

He is chairman of the Economic Development Committee for the Rome/Floyd Chamber of Commerce and works with the Rome Downtown Development Authority in Banking on Downtown, a local loan program established in partnership with Rome area banks to encourage the continued economic development of the downtown corridor.

Mr. Preston lives in Rome with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children: Emily and Jackson. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Rome.

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review annually include Shorter on their lists of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, associate’s and master’s programs.