A History of Young Harris University: Academics and Traditions
Introduction
Young Harris University, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, boasts a rich history intertwined with a commitment to providing quality education. From its humble beginnings as a small institute to its current status as a four-year liberal arts college, Young Harris has evolved while staying true to its mission of inspiring youth.
Founding and Early Years (1886-1910)
The institution's story began in 1886 with Artemas Lester, a Methodist minister driven by the desire to bring education to the residents of the Appalachian Mountains. He established the school, initially named McTyeire Institute, in a small village. To support the college, an agricultural program or college farm was put in place.
The first year was challenging, but a significant donation from Athens judge Young L.G. Harris saved the school from closure. In gratitude, the institution was renamed Young Harris Institute, and later Young Harris College, in 1895, as was the surrounding town.
Early leaders of the college included:
- Marcus H. (1886-1887)
- Edward A. (1888-1889)
- C. C. (1889-1894)
- William F. (1894-1899)
- Joseph A. (1899-1916)
The Fire of 1911 and Subsequent Rebuilding
A devastating fire in 1911 destroyed the college's main classroom building. However, the local community rallied together, rebuilding the structure and naming it Sharp Hall in honor of the college president at the time.
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Transition to a Four-Year College
For many years, from the early 1910s, Young Harris College operated as a two-year institution, granting associate's degrees. A turning point came in 2008 when the college earned its four-year accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). This allowed Young Harris to offer bachelor's degrees in various fields, including biology, business and public policy, English, and music.
Financial Support and Endowment
The college received a significant boost from Margaret Adger Pitts, who died in 1998, leaving an estate valued at $192 million, largely composed of Coca-Cola stock acquired by her father in the 1920s. Young Harris College was one of four Georgia entities named to receive yearly dividends and trust proceeds, amounting to approximately $3 million each. The endowment of the college is around $100 million.
Athletics: The Mountain Lions
Young Harris University's athletic teams are known as the Mountain Lions. The college is a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and has been competing in the Conference Carolinas since the 2023-24 academic year. Young Harris competes in 16 intercollegiate varsity sports.
The college initially applied to the NCAA in 2010, but the application was rejected. The school re-applied in 2011 and received acceptance into the three-year process to become a full member.
Campus Life and Traditions
The roots of the Young Harris Greek system began with the men's debating societies of the late 1880s. During the 1960s, these organizations became more social than academic. There are regularly musical performances on campus, art exhibitions, and theater performances.
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Notable Alumni
Young Harris College has produced a diverse array of successful individuals, including:
- Former Georgia governors E. D. Rivers
- Representatives Jack Brinkley and Buddy Carter
- Entertainers Oliver Hardy, Wayland Flowers, and Amanda Bearse
- Country music singers Ronnie Milsap and Trisha Yearwood
- Major League Baseball players Nick Markakis, Charlie Blackmon, Billy Buckner, and Cory Gearrin
- Waffle House founder Tom Forkner
- State Supreme Court Chief Justices William Henry Duckworth and Charles S. Reid
- State Senator J. Ebb Duncan and state Representatives Hank Huckaby and David Ralston
- Poet and novelist Byron Herbert Reece
- Theologian and philosopher John B. Cobb
- James T. McIntyre, who served as director of the Office of Management and Budget
- Fred S. Clinton, a frontier doctor in Oklahoma at the turn of the century
- George J. and Bettie M. Sellers
Campus Landmarks
Campus Gate (c. 1930) and Susan B. Harris Chapel are two notable landmarks on the Young Harris campus.
The Young Harris Medallion
The highest honor bestowed by the college is the Young Harris Medallion.
Academics
Young Harris College offers undergraduate degrees in 29 majors. The degree program or major you pursue is important! Young Harris College is known for one of its top majors: Business Administration, Management and Operations. SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended to apply.
College Presidents
The following individuals have served as president of Young Harris College:
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- George L. (1916-1917)
- John L. (1917-1922)
- T. Jack Lance (1930-1942)
- J. Harris Purks (1942-1947)
- Walter L. Downs (1947-1950)
- Charles R. Clegg (1950-1963)
- Robert P. Anderes (1963-1964)
- Raymond A. Cook (1964-1966)
- Thomas S. Hammett (1991-2003)
- W. Carey Green (2004-2006)
- John W. Stephenson (2006-2006)
- C. Mitch Adams (July-October 2017, Interim)
- John W. Stephenson (2025-present)
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