Delores Stephens, English professor
woman. It’s really about identifying a desire to hold a leadership position and putting the focus necessary to achieve it. “ “Leadership is about showing up and getting the job done and once you do that, you’re in,” says Adrienne Harris, President Massey’s chief of staff and among the most influential leaders on campus. Harris’ influence is felt in all areas of the College because all of her communications work advances President Massey’s voice and vision for the College. Harris joined Morehouse in 1995 as director of publications and was promoted several times within just a few years. “Morehouse is a man’s world, but Walter Massey is a man who honors individuals’ contributions regardless of gender,” says Harris. “The more I showed I could do, the more opportunities I have been given.” For every woman in high profile positions at the College, there are many women, past and present, whose “behind the scenes” roles have kept the institution running. Agnes Watson served Morehouse for several decades, first as President Benjamin E. Mays’ secretary and then as
Karen Miller, vice president for Administrative Services and General Counsel
“Every woman who works at Morehouse is influential, because in terms of numbers, we are everywhere. Every aspect of the College benefits from the contributions of women.” assistant to the business manager, where she was a key player in the financial workings of the College. She is also credited with typing Martin Luther King Jr.’s entire doctoral dissertation. Women have played a vital role in ensuring Morehouse students observe proper civility and decorum. Flora LeMar, the legendary “postmistress” of Morehouse during the Mays and Gloster administration,
served as the unofficial chief hostess for the College. An invitation by LeMar to “come out and pour” punch at a College social event meant that a student was to be properly attired and observe the impeccable manners befitting a Morehouse man. This tradition of scrutiny continues with Georgia Rolax, the College’s switchboard operator. Practically every Morehouse student has had occasion to pass by “Ms. Georgia’s” station on the ground floor of Gloster Hall. “I try to be a leader to our young men. I try to set an example by teaching them to be courteous and kind,” says Rolax. “I tell them to stay off their cell phones. I don’t allow that in here.” As students, faculty, staff and administrators, the women of Morehouse, past and present, are part of a sturdy bridge that will lead the College to higher levels of excellence and distinction. Perhaps Adrienne Harris says it best: “Every woman who works at Morehouse is influential, because in terms of numbers, we are everywhere. Every aspect of the College benefits from the contributions of women.” ■
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