A scholarship at Shorter University has been named to recognize the contributions of longtime Shorter coach Hamp Alexander.

Photo above: Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless accepts a check to name the Courtesy-Ford Lincoln Scholarship in honor of longtime Shorter Coach Hamp Alexander (center). The check was presented by Jay Barksdale (right) who was accompanied by his daughter Georgia Kate.

The $1,000 scholarship, given by Courtesy Ford-Lincoln of Rome and its owner Jay Barksdale, honors Alexander, who led Shorter’s men’s teams in basketball and baseball for 16 years.

“Both of my parents are educators, and Dad was a basketball coach who played against Shorter many times,” Barksdale said in presenting the check to Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless. “Dad thought a lot of Coach Alexander, and we thought this would be a great way to honor him.”

“We are grateful to Jay Barksdale and Courtesy Ford-Lincoln for presenting this scholarship and are happy to join them in honoring Coach Alexander for his outstanding contributions to Shorter Athletics,” Dr. Dowless said. “We are also grateful for the important financial support this gift will provide for the student recipients.”

As baseball coach, Alexander posted 497 wins, six conference championships and four District 25 Championships; in basketball, his teams won two conference titles. He coached numerous all-conference baseball and basketball players including seven baseball NAIA All-Americans and 13 players who signed professional contracts. Alexander was voted Coach of the Year six times in baseball and twice in basketball. He was inducted into Shorter’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

This gift marks the second year of Courtesy Ford-Lincoln’s partnership in providing need-based scholarships for Shorter students. In addition, the Courtesy Ford-Lincoln staff will provide a Courtesy Car Check for Shorter students on Sept. 29. Technicians will be on campus offering free inspections of oil levels, tire pressure, brakes, windshield wipers, maintenance, and tire tread.

“Shorter will have Fall Break next week, and we want to help ensure the students, faculty and staff are traveling in safe vehicles,” Barksdale said. “By bringing the Car Check Clinic to campus, we made the check-ups easy and convenient.”

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list 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, and four master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu. 

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