The GTF program, established in 1995 by then Gov. Zell Miller, strives to provide Georgia's higher education faculty with expanded opportunities for developing important teaching skills.

The program also fosters dialogues “between professors at various Georgia institutes and cultivates camaraderie and collegiality between professionals.”

“Dr. Harris' selection as a Governor's Teaching Fellow recognizes her excellence as an instructor and brings distinction to Georgia College and the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Ken Procter, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “While participating in this program, Dr. Harris will work actively with some of the best college teachers throughout the state.”

The Governor’s Teaching Fellowship program both acknowledges Harris’ personal commitment in and experience in quality teaching, and allows her to spend time with others from institutions across the state of Georgia to share and learn from one another new approaches to teaching that better meet the needs of the 21st century student, she said.

“Our designation as the public liberal arts university for the state means that teaching is a priority here,” Harris said. “We prepare ‘life-long learners’ committed to using education for more than just obtaining a career, but for making the world a better place through knowledge earned that transcends content gained in traditional classrooms.”

Harris received both a bachelor and masters of art degree in history at Georgia College and a doctorate degree in the History, Technology and Society program at Georgia Tech. Harris was the first woman awarded that doctorate degree.

She began teaching at Georgia College in 1994 before serving as director of the former Office of Experimental Learning (2001-2005). She now teaches full time at Georgia College as a member of the Department of Government & Sociology.

During the spring Harris was awarded the Mozell Stewart Community Service award presented by the GCSU Alumni Association.

GTF has a rigorous selection process from an extremely talented pool of applicants consisting of the best post-secondary educators in the state of Georgia.

Fellows participate in symposia throughout the academic year on the University of Georgia campus, in an effort to enhance the quality of instruction in Georgia's colleges and universities.

“As a result of her work as a fellow, Dr. Harris will be able to share the latest information on ‘best practices’ in instructional methods with her colleagues at Georgia College,” Procter said. “This will certainly be of great benefit to other faculty across campus, and, of course, to our students.”