Shorter College Opens New Dormitory on Campus
On October 21, 2023, Shorter College in North Little, Arkansas officially dedicated the “Bishop Michael L. Mitchell Hall”. Conceived in 2021, this residential housing facility marks a monumental achievement as the first on campus housing facility constructed in 25 years.
Completed in August, 15, 2023, the primary purpose of Bishop Mitchell Hall is to house the athletes recruited for the men’s and women’s basketball teams along with other students from around the state who live beyond a 50-mile driving area. The total construction cost of the building was $2.8 million dollars financed by Eagle Bank. The Construction was led by Mr. Dexter Doyne, a Black contractor in the Little Rock, Arkansas area.
Currently 40 students reside in the hall. Two additional dormitories are planned for the same site to be constructed soon. “Future dormitories will house students from around the state of Arkansas and other states as the college increases its recruiting area from local to national and to accommodate international students attracted to Shorter College because of athletic opportunities or through the African Methodist Episcopal Church, “stated Bishop Michael L. Mitchell, President of the Shorter College Board of Trustees and Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District.
Presided over by Shorter College President Rev. Dr. O. Jerome Green, the spirited dedication service was well attended by members of the 12th Episcopal District and the North Little Rock community. Greetings were extended by Mayor Terry Hartwick, Arkansas State Representatives Joy Spring and Jamie Scott. State Senator Linda Chesterfield provided written greetings as well. AME leadership included 12th Episcopal District Supervisor Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell and Editor of The Christian Recorder Dr. John Thomas III During the act of dedication, Bishop Mitchell attested to the visionary leadership of Dr. Green as well as the unwavering support of the Shorter College alumni and the Little Rock area at large.
Shorter College currently has 300 students attending school on the main campus. An additional 400 students are enrolled at its 11 Second Chance Pell Off-Site Teaching Locations around the State of Arkansas which house the college’s Prison Education Program (PEP). It currently leads all institutions of higher education in the state in sustained enrollment growth over the past 5 years (since 2018) at 21.4%.
