Shorter to receive $7.2 million from Georgia Baptist Convention

Media release: This week, representatives to the Georgia Baptist
Convention's (GBC) annual meeting ensured that Georgia's Baptist colleges
won't have to pay for the nation's economic downturn.
Shorter University will receive $7.2 million thanks to the voting members
who attended the GBC's annual meeting held Nov. 14 and 15 at North Metro
First Baptist Church in Lawrenceville.

The additional funds come after the GBC acted to simplify and clarify the
convention's budget. The convention voted to do away with its Capital
Improvements Endowment Program (CIEP), which had previously allowed
institutions to apply for CIEP funds. Under the new structure, the $7.2
million endowment that was earmarked for Shorter has been transferred from
the convention to the Shorter University Board of Trustees. The funds are
now available for use on board-approved projects.

"It is significant that in a time of economic downturn that Georgia Baptists
have demonstrated such strong support of their academic institutions," said
Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless. "We thank the Lord and Georgia
Baptists for this tremendous gift that will ensure our ability to help
transform lives through Christ."

The convention also approved its 2012 budget, which includes a reallocation
of the annual allotment for all GBC institutions, including three Baptist
colleges. In the 2012 budget year, Shorter will receive $2 million through
the Cooperative Program budget of the Georgia Baptist Convention. In 2011,
Shorter received $2.3 million. "The Georgia Baptists have adjusted their
budget as they do each year," Dr. Dowless said. "We are grateful for their
continued support of Shorter University."