Today – October 6, 2017 – marks the 144th anniversary of the first day of classes at what would become Shorter University.

So here are a few interesting facts from our history! (credit to 1980s-produced “Shorter Facts and Taller Tales” brochure.)

Established 1873!

1873- Shorter College was established by Rome Baptist Church. The original campus in downtown Rome was purchased for $7,500.

Tuition Paid with Hay

1874- tuition for the year cost students between $232 and $342. In fact, one father paid for one of his daughters to attend Shorter with hay. Unfortunately today, hay payment is not longer accepted.

We were a Women’s-Only College

We accepted only women until 1957. The first male student, James Sanders, graduated in 1953. Now 50% of our population is male.

First in Music Program Accreditation

In the 1930s, Shorter became the first college in Georgia to have its music program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Our university has had more alumni win the Metropolitan Opera national council audition than any other small universities in the nation.

Dishwasher Sale!

in the 1950s, Shorter Alumnae Assosciation sold Spray-Matic dishwashers to raise funds for dorm refurbishment.