control of the selection process for trustees was given to the Georgia Baptist Convention. The college constructed a new administration building, student center, library, fine arts center and hired additional faculty for the expanding school. The late 1950s also saw the first African-American student graduate.
The political and social climate of the 1960s had a great effect on the college throughout the decade. During the era the student government's power increased and new organizations were created on campus. A number of special events were held on campus, including memorial services for both the John F. Kennedy assassination and Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Earth Day was observed for the first time. In 1973 Shorter College celebrated its 100th anniversary through special activities and traditions. In 1948, admission was opened to boys and the school was renamed Shorter College.
=== Further expansion, attempted break with Georgia Baptist Convention ===
International programs began in the …
