Shorter College reorganization ‘cannot stand’

ROME, Ga. — Shorter College’s dissolution and reorganization that created a self-perpetuating board of trustees last year “cannot stand” without the Georgia Baptist Convention’s (GBC) approval, a state appeals court ruled March 17. The ongoing legal battle between the GBC and the liberal arts college in northwest Georgia appears headed for the Georgia Supreme Court.

The college has claimed in recent years that the convention has unduly influenced trustees and put the college’s accreditation at risk. Convention leaders charge Shorter President Ed Schrader and trustees with trying to remove the GBC as the rightful owner of the college. The college transferred its assets to a new foundation following an April 2003 ruling by a DeKalb County (Ga.) Superior Court judge. The new entity was then named Shorter College, Inc.

The appeals court has ruled that “the trial court erred in failing to consider the GBC’s contention that the dissolution was a sham.” In a prepared statement, GBC Executive Director Robert White said convention leaders are grateful for the ruling.

Shorter Trustees Chairman Gary Eubanks, an attorney from Marietta, Ga., said college leaders are “disappointed” with the ruling but plan to take their case to the Georgia Supreme Court.