Katie G. Dorsett facts for kids

Katie Grays Dorsett (born July 8, 1932 – died July 6, 2020) was an important leader in North Carolina. She was a member of the Democratic Party. She served in the North Carolina Senate from 2003 to 2010. Her district included people living in Guilford County, North Carolina. In her last term, she was the Majority Whip in the Senate. This meant she helped make sure her party's members voted together on important issues.

Who Was Katie Dorsett?

Katie Grays Dorsett was a dedicated public servant and educator from North Carolina. She spent many years teaching. Later, she moved into politics. She made history as the first African American woman to hold several important positions in North Carolina.

Her Early Life and Education

Katie Dorsett was born in Shaw, Mississippi, on July 8, 1932. She went to local public schools for her early education. After that, she attended a private boarding school. She then went to Alcorn State University for her first college degree. She earned her master's degree from Indiana University. Katie Dorsett continued her studies to get her doctorate. She finished her Doctor of Education degree in 1975. She earned this advanced degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

A Career in Education

Before entering politics, Katie Dorsett was a teacher. She taught business at North Carolina A&T University. This university is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. She taught there for a long time, from 1955 until 1987. She dedicated 32 years of her life to educating students.

Making a Difference in Politics

After retiring from teaching, Katie Dorsett began her political career. She was elected to the Greensboro City Council. She served two terms, from 1983 to 1986. She was the first African American woman ever elected to this council.

Later, she became a Guilford County Commissioner in 1990. She represented District 9. In 1992, she was appointed Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Administration. This appointment was made by North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt. This was a very important moment. It made her the first African American woman to hold a North Carolina Cabinet position. A cabinet position is a high-level job in the state government.

In 2002, Katie Dorsett was elected to the state Senate. She served there until 2010. Just before the deadline to run for re-election in 2010, she announced she would not seek another term. In the same year, she was honored for her achievements. She was inducted into the North Carolina Women's Hall of Fame. Katie Dorsett passed away on July 6, 2020. This was just two days before her 88th birthday.