Shorter College also known as Shorter University is a privately owned institution, and widely regarded as faith-based not only as a result of her close ties with the Georgia Baptist Convention. In this article we shall see Is shorter an HBCU school?
The institution situated in Rome, Georgia by Luther Rice Gwaltney, a black educator, who also doubles as the pastor of the Rome Baptist Church in the late 18th century – 1886.
Going further, it is appropriate to point out what Historically Black Colleges and Universities are and its huge impact on the people of color in the United States of America.
We should also be able to understand what obtains before the emergence of HBCUs has to be revealed.
HBCU
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are the core part of Black history in America.
Just before the American civil war, the wanton discrimination and prejudice against the African American youths in Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) gave way to the emergence of HBCUs.
African Americans were dealt with the short end of the stick while seeking educational advancement in PWIs, drove the need for HBCUs.
The revered Richard Humphreys championed the cause in 1837.
Since then, the number of HBCU in the United States of America has surged to 107 presently!
The black culture is an element of HBCUs.
Well-to-do people of color like the late Martin Luther King Jr., Oprah Winfrey, and Sean Combs passed through HBCUs.
HBCUs play a vital role in American society with the sole purpose of educating black folks.
Isn’t it noteworthy to shed light on PWIs?
PWIs
PWIs have been in existence for a long time, before the HBCUs.
Predominantly White Institutions are academic environments where Whites account for over half of the population.
Schools like Harvard and Yale are vivid examples of these, with an acceptance rate between 5 to 6%!
They are also known for not giving adequate access to the people of color for education.
A few who have passed through PWIs regaled unpleasant experiences from low-key racism to unfair treatment in these PWIs, leading to the huge acceptance of HBCUs in the Black community.
Feedback from the very few who did have been chronically subpar.
PWIs have been ravaged by cases of racial microaggressions, less than ethical treatment from school authorities, and the feeling of insecurity of the people of color.
Hence, Blacks find solace in HBCUs.
Who built PWIs?
There has been deep-seated angst among the people of color in the United States of America, emanating from the fact that all the PWIs were built by the blood and sweat of their forefathers – the blacks.
It is widely believed that proceeds from the slave trade and efforts of the blacks in the time past financed PWIs.
Still, the generations after them were being ‘marginalized’ from enjoying the efforts of their forefathers.
Sorry, I digress.
HBCUs VS PWIs
As far as many people of color in the United States of America are concerned, HBCUs are regarded as a safe haven due to the many opportunities they extend to the black community.
HBCUs offer low tuition, a sense of belonging, finding their own identity, wholesome regard for Black history and culture, and networking opportunities amongst others, to students and graduates alike.
However, these cannot be said to be the experience of Blacks in PWIs, although, Black Americans are not excluded from seeking admission into PWIs.
It should be pointed out, that HBCUs are not bottom-tier academic institutions.
However, PWIs enjoy a bigger academic environment compared with HBCUs.
This medium-sized environment in HBCUs fosters camaraderie among the students making HBCUs more of a community.
How HBCUs thrived over the years?
In the same way, the people of color have evolved from slavery to citizenship with grit, HBCUs over the years have churned out exceptional graduates who have done and still doing well in society.
Leaders of thought, innovators who have helped shape American society and their communities.
However, HBCUs are facing dimensional challenges from tuition increases to student loan crises, and budget cuts, among many others.
It is no longer news that a percentage of students in HBCUs are from limited-income families.
These issues are having a telling effect on HBCUs.
Nevertheless, the philanthropic efforts of notable individuals and reputable institutions, likewise the government funding have come in handy for HBCUs, dousing the fears of professionals and graduates of HBCUs losing these institutions of learning.
Shorter University and HBCU
Taking into account the background of her founder as earlier averred.
Shorter University is no doubt one of the Historically Black Colleges and universities in the United State of America.
Shorter University currently ranks number 80 in regional universities south while it also ranks #1,660 out of 2,576 schools in the United State of America, with an acceptance rate of 71%.
Shorter University social life compared to other HBCU
It is worthy of note to emphasize the fact that Shorter University is guided by principles of the Christian faith.
Hence, the social life of the university is nothing compared to other HBCUs.
Shorter University frowns at parties on the school premises.
This some deem a great idea, to ensure the students are not distracted.
Shorter University offers Christian Studies as one of its majors not to mention the 100% tobacco-free policy the university.
Amazingly, there is evidence of sororities on the campus.
How has Shorter University fared as HBCU?
One of the takeaways from Shorter University is the smaller class sizes, allowing the students to be more interactive, and providing a more learning experience.
There is always something to do on campus from Greek life, sports, clubs, and organizations.
The environment is safe, and welcoming, and the students enjoy great proximity to the city.
Conclusion
Despite the that the United States of America is still battling with racial issues, it will be unforgiving not to note that the country has done exceptionally well in ensuring much of Black American history has been dedicated to making America live up to the words of the Constitution.
This tries to strike a balance between the PWIs and the HBCUs by providing HBCUs with funds in form of Federal aid; assisting institutions like Shorter University to flourish.
This has helped Shorter University hold on to her long history of producing leaders in business, law, science, education, entertainment, art, and sports.
