Shorter College to Hold First Commencement in 10 Years; Institution's First Since Candidacy for Accreditation

LITTLE ROCK, AR, May 03, 2013 (Press-News.org) Shorter College, Arkansas' only two-year historically Black college, will hold Spring Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the F.C. James Building on the campus of Shorter College.

Willhelm Cedric Hawkins is the first candidate for graduation since the institution's reaccreditation candidacy through the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Hawkins will receive an Associate of Arts degree and graduate as an honor student with a 3.5 grade point average.

"Shorter College is in the midst of a re-birth," Jerome Green, President of Shorter College said.

"As the newly appointed president, I am confident Shorter is on its way to receiving full accreditation, which will allow us to guide countless more students, like Willhelm, through the process of earning a degree in order to compete for better-paying jobs."

"The Board of Trustees congratulates Mr. Hawkins on his accomplishment," Bishop Samuel Green, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees said.

"This is an exciting time for not only Willhelm, but also for the students, faculty and staff of Shorter College, as we work to restore Shorter College to the great educational institution it has been to thousands of students in its 127-year history."

Shorter College's student enrollment stands at more than 300 students, an increase from 15 students in 2011. The college has met eligibility requirements to be considered a candidate for accreditation. It is currently in the midst of the self-study phase that is required to receive accreditation.

For more information about Shorter College's commencement exercises please contact Stephanie Jackson at 501.492.4900 or stephanie@designgroupmarketing.com.

About Shorter College
Shorter College was founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1886 to provide educational training and experiences to ex-slaves and African Americans who did not have access to public education institutions. Today, the mission of Shorter College is to provide accessible, affordable, high quality education for students of all races, to accomplish goals by offering programs that meet the learner's need in a challenging and nurturing Christian environment.

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