Christian Universities Online has ranked Shorter University number 4 on its list of “The 50 Best Christian College and University Athletic Programs 2016.” Shorter is the only university in Georgia to place among the top 25 in these rankings and is the highest-ranked NCAA Division II program.

The online listing, available at http://www.christianuniversitiesonline.org/top-50-christian-college-athletic-programs-2016/, states, “Athletics are a significant aspect of college life for many students. …Whether it’s football, basketball, soccer, or another sport, a school’s athletic program contributes to the overall college experience. The following list highlights Christian College and Universities that excel with their varsity athletic programs.”

“Shorter’s commitment to Christ-honoring excellence permeates all areas of our campus, including our athletic program, and we appreciate this recognition by Christian Universities Online,” said Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless. “Our student athletes are learning teamwork, leadership, and Christian values as they strive for excellence on the athletic field and in the classroom. We are particularly proud of the fact that Shorter consistently places more student athletes on the Gulf South Conference’s academic honor roll than any other GSC member. We also teach our athletes to be servant-leaders as they use their talents and abilities in the service of others.”

Kim Graham, Shorter’s director of athletics, added, “It is quite an honor to finish fourth among the Best Christian College and University Athletics Programs in 2016. It means even more to be the top-ranked NCAA Division II athletics program. We give honor to our Lord and realize this accomplishment is a tribute to the work ethic of the Shorter University administration, staff, faculty, coaches and student athletes. We strive daily to ‘Transform Lives through Christ’ in every area of our lives, and it is satisfying to be recognized for our efforts by Christian Universities Online.”

Shorter’s athletic program includes 21 sports, and over the past year has had three of its student athletes—Ayana Walker, Alfred Chelanga, and Jordan Shaw—named NCAA All-Americans. Walker and Chelanga both earned individual NCAA national titles.

The Best Christian College and University Athletic Programs list, compiled by the online guide to Christian colleges and universities, compared schools that are members of or are eligible for membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Institutions were then evaluated based on a number of criteria, including the number of varsity teams, varsity championships won, percentage of enrolled students participating in at least one varsity team, and total revenues from athletic programs.

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. Shorter is a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). 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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