Low enrollment brings on layoffs at Shorter
Two individuals who spoke under the condition their names wouldn’t be used say Shorter is eliminating all of its assistant director positions.
A workforce reduction brought on by low enrollment numbers at Shorter University led to at least 12 employees being let go Friday, according to two people with knowledge of the situation.
The individuals agreed to speak on the record as long as their names were not used.
“They told me they were doing a ‘workforce reduction’ at the recommendation of the President (Donald Dowless) and his council as a result of low enrollment numbers,” said one individual who was among those laid off. “They told me they would be doing this to all assistant directors across the campus from all departments.”
“It all happened to me today, and it was unexpected,” the individual continued, adding that others that were laid off also were surprised.
The other person, who was not among those let go, confirmed that all assistant director positions at the university were being eliminated.
Both individuals said the layoffs were occurring throughout the day Friday, with the one who was still employed saying that Human Resources Manager Stacy Hardy by herself had brought the individuals into her office to inform the employees they were being let go.
The laid-off employee who went on the record said they cared about the university and hoped that it could get back on its feet. This person also said they would begin looking for work immediately.
When seeking confirmation of the layoffs, Shorter University spokeswoman Dawn Tolbert replied, “It is the university’s policy not to comment on personnel matters.” Calls to Dowless’ office were not answered or returned Friday.
Calls and emails to other laid-off employees were not returned or responded to Friday.