-Chapter V- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Adult and Post-Secondary Education
Adult education in Murray County goes back to the early days of this century when teachers like Lula Gladden and Bessie Mae Davis Adams worked with the parents of their school children to remove illiteracy. Various programs tried to help the widespread problem over the years and in 1965 the County Board of Education initiated adult classes "for those having not completed the eighth grade." Mrs. Icy Plemons was elected as the teacher "pending completion of the plans."
These efforts continued for a decade when in 1974 Elaine Butler became Adult Education Coordinator for Murray. Gilmer, Pickens, and Fannin Counties. Mrs. Butler increased participation in the G.E.D. programs and in 1977 the Murray School System received a $15,000 grant for adult education. The old Saddle Club building near the high school was renovated to house the unique center for adults.
In 1975 Mrs. Butler became part-time coordinator for the Chatsworth Center of Reinhardt College. Since then numerous local residents have obtained associate's degrees in education, business and other areas due to the availability of courses nearer home. Breneau College, a 4-year institution located in Gainesville, has made classes available at the Chatsworth Center since 1979, allowing Murray Countians to pursue bachelor's and even master's degrees. Pam Bishop is Ms. Butler's assistant.
The Murray County Training Center was erected by the citizens of the county led by the Association of Retarded Citizens. Georgia Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller spoke at the dedication of the facility on Chestnut Street on October 19, 1975. Juanita Coulter was the first director of the center.
Murray County Heritage