Bethel University

Bethel University was established as a four-year institution of higher learning in North Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1886. It is now known as the two-year Shorter College. The school was originally affiliated with the 12th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Early classes met in North Little Rock's Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bethel University was removed to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, in 1888 and renamed Shorter University in 1892. Between 1894 and 1898 the university maintained facilities in both Arkadelphia and North Little Rock. Around 1903 the school moved back to North Little Rock and changed its name to Shorter College. It became a two-year degree granting institution in 1955. In 1997 it lost its accreditation status after a visit by North Central Accreditation.

Presidents

• Julian Talbot Bailey

References

• Barbara K. Townsend, Two-Year Colleges for Women and Minorities (New York: Falmer Press, 1999), 97.