Paul Shorter

Paul Shorter jumped into leadership from the start of his time at the University of North Georgia (UNG). Shorter was a freshman representative in Student Government Association (SGA), and that role propelled his leadership style of advocacy.

"Part of my job was to be someone my peers could talk to about their questions and issues," said Shorter, who plans to graduate in May 2021 with a psychology degree. "Whether they were issues big or small, I wanted to help them as best I could."

It has also set the course for Shorter's career. The Lawrenceville, Georgia, native eventually wants to pursue a master's degree in higher education administration so he can serve as an advocate for underrepresented students.

"It is also important to advocate for yourself," Shorter said. "If you're a quiet leader like me, you miss out if you don't speak up."

At UNG, he has worked alongside Mallory Rodriguez, UNG's director of student leadership. Shorter has served as site leader for Alternative Spring Break service projects in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Clayton, Georgia.

"Paul leads by example," Rodriguez said. "He is always the first to volunteer for tasks and opportunities, he does what he says he will do, he shows up for others and encourages them through words and deeds, and he strives to leave everything he works on better than it was before — the ultimate sign of a true servant leader."