University Park, IL,
11
December
2019
|
10:00 AM
America/Chicago

Governors State Added Up to Success for Business Alumnus

Adam Shorter III ('04 MBA) is Loyola University’s Senior Director of Finance and Operations, managing more than $500 million in funds for the university's 13 colleges. Currently the CEO and President of Shorewood Restaurant group and partner of Krimson 4 Restaurant group, Shorter is also Trustee in the Village of Matteson.

He was a Financial Analyst at CNA Insurance when he enrolled at Governors State University to advance his career. But, after earning his master’s degree in business administration, Shorter discovered he wantedand could have—much more.

“ I didn’t realize my potential until I got into the MBA program,’’ said Shorter. "Governors State launched me into a leadership position at an elite university."

Describe your current professional role.

I’ve been at Loyola for 14 years now and currently serve as Senior Director of Finance, where I manage all the finances on the academic affair's side. Even though Loyola is an elite college with enviable resources, my job is to save the institution money by all means necessary. I’m involved with negotiations, strategy, and execution.

What role did Governors State play in your success?

What the MBA does is give you a broader perspective. It helped me understand my potential once I got into the program. I wanted to be a leaderthat’s what led me to Governors State. Once I got into it, GSU forced me to think bigger and broader. At the time I was content being a middle manager or director. Now, I want to be a CEO or take over a Fortune 100 or 500 company.

Why did you choose GSU?

I needed a flexible program that allowed me to continue working. Governors State was accommodating and very reputable. Really, it was a no-brainer. I could have done a lot of programs online, but GSU had such an authentic and meaningful program with deeply instilled core values. At other schools, people talk about inclusion, but I truly felt it in the classroom at Governors State.

What are you most proud of when you look back at your GSU experience? 

The most important thing that I cherish is the network of friends, business associates, and colleagues—long lasting relationships that I will carry throughout my life. Governors State really helped me foster relationships I would be not been able to create on my own.

What’s next for you professionally?

I believe in serving where you live. That means that no matter where I live, I’m going to be of service. I’m an elected official, an entrepreneur, and a servant. I own and/or manage four restaurants in the South Suburbs.  I serve as Vice Chair for the Dean's Advisory Board in the College of Business at Governors State, and, my wife, daughter and I run a not-for-profit to boost awareness for Sickle Cell Anemia, a condition my daughter battles. Eventually, I have to drill down to one core area. At some point, I will choose. Right now, though, everything I do is so beautifully interconnected. 

What advice would you share with current GSU students? 

Network as much as you can. There is such a diverse body of students here and so many resources. It’s up to you to take advantage. Don’t fight your battles alone.