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
In office January 3, 1965 – January 11, 1983
Personal details
Born	(1936-02-16) February 16, 1936 (age 89) Cartersville, Georgia, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Elizabeth Carlock
Alma mater	University of Georgia (BS)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch	Georgia Air National Guard
Service years	1953–1958

Joseph Franklin Harris, born on February 16, 1936, is an American businessman and politician. He was the 78th Governor of Georgia, serving from 1983 to 1991. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Early Life and Political Start

Joe Frank Harris was born in the Atco Mill Village of Cartersville, Georgia. His parents were Frank and Frances Harris. He was the second of three children.

Education and Family Business

Harris attended Asbury College for one year. He then graduated from the University of Georgia in 1958. He earned a degree in business administration. After college, Harris returned to Cartersville. He joined his father and brother in their family cement business. Their company, Harris Cement Products, Inc., operated from 1940 to 1980. In the late 1970s, it supplied all the cement for bridges and overpasses on Interstate 75 in parts of Georgia.

Serving in the State House

In 1964, Harris was asked to run for the Georgia House of Representatives. He served nine terms in the House. In 1974, he became the chairman of the important Appropriations Committee. As of late 2024, Joe Frank Harris became the earliest serving and oldest living governor of Georgia.

Becoming Governor of Georgia

When Joe Frank Harris ran for governor in 1982, many people thought he had little chance to win. However, he gained support from the Speaker of the Georgia House, Tom Murphy. This support helped him win the primary election. He won against U.S. Representative Bo Ginn.

Harris speaking at the commissioning ceremony for the USS Georgia in 1984

Key Achievements as Governor

Governor Harris was known as the "education governor." He made many changes to improve schools in Georgia.

Improving Education and Infrastructure

• He increased salaries for teachers across the state.
• He put into action the Quality Basic Education Act (QBE). This law helped improve the quality of education for students.
• He helped build the Georgia Dome, a large sports stadium.
• He created the Technical College System of Georgia. This system helps adults learn job skills.
• He played a big part in bringing the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta.
• During his time as governor, more libraries were built than under any other governor in Georgia's history.

Smart Financial Management

Governor Harris also created the Growth Strategies Commission. This group worked on plans for Georgia's future growth. His smart money plans led to higher bond ratings for the state. This meant Georgia was seen as a good place to invest. During his time, Financial World magazine rated Georgia among the top 15 best-managed states in the country.

After His Time as Governor

After serving two terms as governor, Joe Frank Harris continued to serve Georgia.

Role on the Board of Regents

He was appointed to the Georgia Board of Regents. This board oversees the University System of Georgia. He served on the board for seven years. For two of those years, he was the chairman.

Work at Georgia State University

From 1995 to 2009, Harris worked at Georgia State University. He was an executive fellow and lecturer in the School of Policy Studies. Today, he is the chairman of Harris Georgia Corporation. This company, started in 1980, focuses on industrial development. He also served on the board of directors for Aflac from 1991 to 2011.

Lasting Legacy and Honors

Joe Frank Harris's impact on Georgia is remembered in several ways.

Places Named in His Honor

• A part of U.S. Route 41 in Bartow County is named the Joe Frank Harris Parkway.
• The Joe Frank Harris Commons at the University of Georgia is named after him. This building houses The Village Summit Dining Commons.
• 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