NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — North Little Rock's Shorter College is the only private two-year historically Black college and university in the nation and it's now under new leadership.
Dr. Jeffery Norfleet was appointed to serve as the 46th president of Shorter College after the passing of former president Dr. O. Jerome Green in April.
“It's good pressure. It's almost like good trouble, so I'm excited about it. We have a lot of moving parts. There's a lot of things that he [President Green] had already put in place, such as our technology hub," Norfleet described. "We're looking to add new academic programs, we're looking to grow enrollment, we're looking to support the state. It's a lot of moving parts, but I'm excited about the pressure that's being added to me at this time."
President Norfleet said he has big shoes to fill after the legacy of Dr. Green. Since stepping up to the role, he's been hard at work fulfilling the college's mission after previously serving as interim president and vice president.
He said that several programs and plans are already coming down the pipeline.
"I think seeing that increase in enrollment is going to be the goal that's going to really make me feel good. But I do believe that we have an opportunity with the tech hub, with our adult education program that we're running with the state [to increase enrollment]. We actually have a CNA program that will be starting toward the end of September or early part of October. We have a waiting list already, so we're putting systems and processes in place to really gain the footage of seeing individuals here at Shorter," Norfleet explained.
The president confirmed they have about 650 total students right now, including the main campus, its online population, and its prison education program.
Norfleet added that Shorter is the place for anyone and everyone, especially those looking to update a credential, feel part of the community, or grow their skill sets.
"Shorter is that jewel that you need to come to to get an updated credential, to feel a part of the community, to grow your skill set. We are here for you," Norfleet said.
To learn more about the college, click here.