Joe Frank Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Frank Harris
|
|
|---|---|
Harris in 1985
|
|
| 78th Governor of Georgia | |
| In office January 11, 1983 – January 14, 1991 |
|
| Lieutenant | Zell Miller |
| Preceded by | George Busbee |
| Succeeded by | Zell Miller |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives | |
| In office January 3, 1965 – January 11, 1983 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 16, 1936 Cartersville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Carlock |
| Alma mater | University of Georgia (BS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States Georgia |
| Branch/service | Georgia Air National Guard |
| Years of service | 1953-1958 |
Joseph Franklin Harris (born February 16, 1936) is an American businessman and Democrat who served as the 78th governor of Georgia. He was the state's leader from 1983 to 1991. Before becoming governor, he was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives for many years.
Contents
Early Life and Path to Politics
Joe Frank Harris was born in Cartersville, Georgia, in a place called Atco Mill Village. He was one of three children. After attending Asbury College for a year, he graduated from the University of Georgia in 1958. He earned a degree in business.
After college, Harris joined his father and brother in their family cement business. This company, Harris Cement Products, Inc., operated for 40 years. It even supplied cement for bridges and overpasses on Interstate 75!
In 1964, Harris decided to run for a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives. He won and served nine terms, which is a very long time! In 1974, he became the chairman of the Appropriations Committee. This committee helps decide how the state's money is spent.
Becoming Governor
When Joe Frank Harris ran for governor in 1982, many people thought he wouldn't win. He was seen as a "long-shot candidate," meaning he wasn't expected to be a top contender. However, with strong support from important people like Tom Murphy, the Speaker of the Georgia House, he won the primary election. A primary election is when members of a political party choose who will represent them in the main election.
Making a Difference as Governor
As governor, Joe Frank Harris focused a lot on education. He even called himself the "education governor." He helped raise salaries for teachers in Georgia. He also put in place the Quality Basic Education Act (QBE). This act helped improve the quality of education for students across the state.
During his time as governor, many important things happened in Georgia:
- The Georgia Dome was built. This was a large stadium used for sports and events.
- The Technical College System of Georgia was created. This system helps people learn skills for different jobs.
- He helped bring the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta. This was a huge event for the state!
- More libraries were built during his term than under any other governor in Georgia's history.
- His smart money plans helped Georgia get better bond ratings. This meant the state was seen as financially strong.
After Being Governor
After serving two terms as governor, Joe Frank Harris continued to work for the state. He was appointed to the Georgia Board of Regents. This board oversees the University System of Georgia, which includes all the public universities in the state. He served on the board for seven years and was chairman for two of those years.
From 1995 to 2009, Harris also worked at Georgia State University. He was an executive fellow and lecturer there, sharing his knowledge about policy. He is also the chairman of Harris Georgia Corporation, a company that develops industrial areas.
Things Named After Him
Joe Frank Harris has several places named in his honor, showing his lasting impact on Georgia:
- A part of U.S. Route 41 in Bartow County is called the Joe Frank Harris Parkway.
- The Joe Frank Harris Commons at the University of Georgia is named after him. This building houses a dining hall.
- The main entrance to the Georgia Ports Authority in Brunswick, Georgia, is called Joe Frank Harris Blvd.
- The main entrance to the Georgia State Fairgrounds in Perry is named Governor Joe Frank and Mrs. Elizabeth Harris Blvd.
See also
- New Georgia Encyclopedia Article
