Media release from Shorter University:
Shorter University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Stephen W. Plate as Vice President for Advancement. With more than 44 years in higher education and 35 in Christian higher education, Dr. Plate brings to Shorter a wealth of experience from a career spanning leadership, teaching, music education and conducting, administration, and institutional advancement.
Most recently, Plate served as Director of the School of Music at the University of Central Arkansas, where his leadership encompassed academic programs, faculty, student recruitment and retention, community partnerships, development, and strategic planning.
Born in New York City and raised in a Christian home, Plate says the greatest gift God gave him was a father who gave him “the keys to the Kingdom.” That foundation of faith has shaped his life and his calling to Christian higher education.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Shorter University family,” said Plate. “God has been incredibly faithful throughout my life and career, and I am grateful for the way He has opened the door for Teresa and me to begin this new chapter at Shorter. I have spent my career in Christian higher education because I believe deeply in its ability to shape not only what students know, but who they become. At the heart of Christian higher education is a ministry that reaches far beyond the classroom. We have the privilege of investing in students, encouraging their faith, and preparing them to use their God-given gifts to serve Christ and fulfill the purpose He has for their lives. Teresa and I are looking forward to getting to know the Shorter community, hearing their stories, and serving alongside people who share our love for Christ and our commitment to the mission of this University.”
In addition to his leadership in higher education, Plate has enjoyed a distinguished career as a musician, conductor, and educator. He served for 14 years as Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Charlotte Civic Orchestra and has appeared as a guest conductor with ensembles including the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, and Manhattan Symphony. His work has also taken him internationally as a guest conductor and clinician.
Plate holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, where he studied instrumental conducting and music theory. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Evangel University, graduating summa cum laude.
Plate’s extensive leadership experience also includes serving as Director of the School of Music at Kennesaw State University, Dean and Director of the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton College, Dean of the School of Music at Lee University, Chair of the Fine Arts Division at Gardner-Webb University and a decade at Evangel University where he was assistant professor of Music. Throughout these roles, his work has included cultivating donor and community relationships, expanding scholarship and endowment support, developing philanthropic boards, and strengthening opportunities for students.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Stephen Plate and Teresa to the Shorter University family,” said Shorter University President Dr. Don Dowless. “Dr. Plate brings an exceptional depth of experience in Christian higher education, but even more importantly, he brings a heart for Christ, for students, and for the mission of this University. He understands the transformative power of Christian higher education and the importance of building relationships that strengthen and sustain that mission. We are grateful that the Lord has brought Dr. Plate to Shorter and look forward to his leadership and service as we continue preparing students to live lives of purpose and impact for Christ.”
Dr. Plate and his wife, Teresa, have five children, four daughters and one son, and a growing family of grandchildren. Their move from Arkansas is also a homecoming for Teresa, who is originally from Georgia.
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