first indoor swimming pool in the United States and swimming became a physical education graduation requirement. The era also included the first women selected for the board of trustees. During the 1920s Shorter became an accredited member in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, in which the university holds accreditation.
Through the years of the college struggled with financial problems during the 1930s with the Great Depression and World War II in the 1940s, Led by President Paul M. Cousins faculty took cuts in salary in the periods of crisis. Academics were strengthened through membership with the National Association of Schools of Music.
=== Increasing diversity ===
In the 1950s, the college became co-educational and the addition of male students created a need for a new male-only residence hall. The university also began intercollegiate athletics program in the NAIA and initiated new clubs organizations and fraternities. Randall Minor became the college's 14th president in 1958. Under Minor, …
