Shorter University welcomes Dr. Donald Dowless as its 19th president June 1, 2011 - Shorter University welcomes Dr. Donald Dowless as the university’s 19th president effective June 1, 2011. Dr. Dowless was the unanimous recommendation of the Presidential Search Committee, which had worked to find a successor to Dr. Harold E. Newman, who led the institution from January 2005 to May 31, 2011. Dr. Dowless came to Shorter from North Greenville University, where he had served as vice president for academics since June 2006. At North Greenville, his responsibilities included overseeing the undergraduate academic program, which has more than 2,100 students; supervising the work of the university faculty, six academic deans, and leaders of academic support divisions; coordinating all accreditation-related activities; and compiling and managing the instructional budget. Dr. Dowless also focused on leading the faculty in the integration of the Christian faith and the learning process.

In February, Shorter University Trustee Chairman Dr. Nelson Price announced the selection of Dr. Dowless, saying,  “Dr. Donald Dowless has strong credentials in the areas of Christian commitment, higher education administration, fundraising, and ministry. The integration of faith and learning is the foundation of his accomplishments as he has risen through the academic ranks. He knows academia inside and out, and what is most impressive about Dr. Dowless is his love for the Lord and his desire to honor Him with all his heart, soul, and mind.

 “His passion for seeing students grow strong in the Christian faith and for knowing their academic disciplines is evident. We are grateful for the progress Shorter University has made under Dr. Newman’s leadership, and we are sure to keep the momentum of success under our new leader.”

Dr. Dowless and his wife, Teresa, share a devotion to Christian higher education that is fueled by a desire to see students grow in their faith. Dr. Price explained, “They don’t have children of their own, but word comes to me from North Greenville that every student on campus is led to believe that they are their children.”

While on Shorter’s campus, Dr. Dowless said, “It is really a humbling experience for us because we get the pleasure of being associated with Shorter University, a Christ-centered institution with high academic standards, great faculty and great staff, where Jesus Christ can be lifted up and honored.”

Dr. Dowless brings with him experience gained as head of the academic division at North Greenville and throughout his career as an academician. Having earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Baylor University in 1989, Dr. Dowless began his academic career as an assistant professor of religion at Charleston Southern University. He rose through the ranks by becoming chair of the Department of Religion, then dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and then associate provost.

At both North Greenville and Charleston Southern, Dr. Dowless served on SACS Reaffirmation of Accreditation leadership teams and helped lead the two institutions through successful 10-year reaffirmation processes. He also helped acquire the largest single scholarship endowment at Charleston Southern, approximately $500,000 from Charleston Heights Baptist Church.

Dr. Dowless said he was drawn to Shorter for its status as a Christian university committed to excellence in education.  “I came out of a biology background and am also a theologian,” he said, “so for me to see the Christian faith woven through all the academic areas is of grand appeal. Both of the institutions where I have previously served are South Carolina Baptist institutions; of course, Shorter is affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention. All three institutions have similar missions with high academic standards and a commitment to a Christ-centered environment. Those two aspects are quite alluring to me.”

Dr. Dowless also added that he looks forward to helping build the institution as it continues to transition from a college to a university. “There are good days ahead and a lot of good work to do,” he added.

Dr. Dowless holds the Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In December 2009, he earned the Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University with an emphasis in fundraising and marketing. In Spring 2011, he received an honorary Doctor of Christian Leadership from North Greenville University.

Ordained to the ministry by Good Hope Baptist Church of Youngsville, N.C., in 1982, he has served as a supply pastor, as a pastor, and as a guest speaker at Baptist Pastor’s Conferences and at Baptist Associations.

He and Mrs. Dowless are dedicated to global missions and have led mission trips. He has taken part in mission trips, study tours, and travel experiences in Mexico, Romania, Hungary, England, Scotland, Canada, Germany, the Caribbean, Guatemala, Costa Rica, France, and the Czech Republic.

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christian university committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South’s best baccalaureate colleges, and The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its lists of best value and best Southeastern colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degree programs in 48 major areas as well as undergraduate degree programs for working adults, master’s programs, and online courses and degrees. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu.

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