[1][5][6][7][8][9] Shorter College began as a means to increase literacy among Arkansas's African-American population and foster their civic engagement by offering them access to education and spiritual direction once the Civil War and slavery had ended.

In September 1891, classes recommenced at the school's new location in Arkadelphia, which was purchased with a $3,000 pledge fund.

[15][6] In 1903, the two campuses were merged at the 604 Locust Street location in North Little Rock, and the school was renamed Shorter College.

[2][10][6] In 1981, Shorter College attained full accreditation, which was required to establish transfer agreements with four-year institutions in Arkansas.

[6] After a period of decline caused by internal political division and debt throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Shorter College lost accreditation and federal funding in 1998.

[6][8] Shorter College is located at 604 Locust Street in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and covers three and one-half square blocks.

It was named after Bishop Frederick C. James, a civil rights leader and one of the people credited with achieving initial accreditation for Shorter College.

The health-plex serves as the venue for physical education classes and sports, career fair and commencement events.

[2] In 2015, Shorter College purchased property near the Health and Wellness Center and partnered with the Arkansas Minority Health Commission to open the property as a free medical clinic for the greater Shorter College community.

The college is organized under a board of trustees, with the presiding bishop of the Twelfth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church as chairman.

The president of Shorter College is an ex-officio member who reports to the board through the Twelfth Episcopal District of the A.M.E.

[8][10] The college offers early entry and dual enrollment programs to local high school students.

[8] The following student groups operate at Shorter College: Black Male Initiative, Health and Wellness Club, National Association of Black Men United, Phi Beta Lambda and Student Government Association.