Congressman Tom Graves Talks Politics at Shorter University
Shorter University’s Department of Social Sciences hosted a conversation with Congressman Tom Graves on campus on Monday, Oct. 17.
Photo above: History major Jaekwon Williams talks with Congressman Tom Graves (right) and Assistant Professor of Political Science Rick Crawford (center) following Monday’s event.
Graves, who represents Georgia’s 14th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, shared his experiences with the political process and took questions from the students and faculty who attended the event. The conversation included a discussion of his experiences on the House Appropriations Committee, through which he serves as chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee and as a member of the Defense and Financial Services Subcommittees.
Jaekwon Williams, a history major from Rockmart, Ga., said he appreciated the opportunity to meet Congressman Graves.
“He showed he was a true representative of his congressional district,” Williams said. “His statements led me to believe he represents all of his district. It doesn’t matter if you were Democrat or Republican, Congressman Graves truly seems to care about everyone’s thoughts and opinions.”
Williams added that the opportunity was especially important to him for another reason. “This year will be my first year able to vote so it was good to hear from the representative from my congressional district. Knowing what the candidate is really about helps me make my decision; that has not always been the case this election season. I’m happy he took the time to come to Shorter and speak to us future educators, lawyers, etc. I’m especially thankful for Professor (Rick) Crawford for inviting him here.”
Crawford, who serves as assistant professor of political science and pre-law advisor at Shorter, arranged the visit in order to enhance the educational opportunities available to the Shorter community. “We want to teach substantive content to our students,” Crawford said, “but we are also very much aware that we have a bigger job. We want to prepare our students for life and for being effective citizens. This involves being aware of who our elected officials are and being able to interact with them in constructive ways. We very much appreciate Congressman Graves’ willingness to take the time from his very busy schedule to come and visit with us.”
Following the meeting and question-and-answer period, Congressman Graves took time to talk one-on-one with Williams and other students who had asked questions.
Of the event, Graves said, “Speaking to students at Shorter University is always a wonderful opportunity. The young leaders I spoke with during my visit, and meet all across Northwest Georgia, give me confidence that our region, state and country’s brightest days are still ahead.”
See a gallery of photos from the event.
Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list of best Southeastern Colleges. The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, and four master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu.
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