Posted on Friday, May 02, 2025
The late Pastor James L. Harris M’95 and Speer Burdette III, both with ties to the college, each set out to ‘be the change’ in their communities, dedicating time and energy to serving the needs of others.
An honorary Doctor in Humane Letters will be presented to Harris’ family during the baccalaureate ceremony on Friday, May 9.
Affectionately known as Brother Harris, he was a devoted leader and teacher, firmly committed to education and to uplifting the next generation.
In his hometown of Manchester, Georgia, he pastored at A House of the Living God Church of Jesus Christ for 49 years, continuing to serve as a spiritual advisor until his passing in November 2024. Among his many achievements was the establishment of Christian Way Academy (1984–2014), a private school that instilled the values of integrity, perseverance and excellence.
Brother Harris earned a Bachelor of Arts from Paine College and a Master of Education from LaGrange College.
Beyond the pulpit, he was an educator for over 30 years in the public school systems of Meriwether, Harris, Talbot and Tift counties. He also shared his passion for teaching and mentorship as a professor at LaGrange College and an academic counselor for the Morehouse College Upward Bound program.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Carolyn J. Harris, their eight adult children—Naomi (Carey), Antipas, Norman (Alicia), Miriam, Alexander (Emily), Alonzo, David (Deborah) and Mia—and nine grandchildren.
During the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, Burdette will receive an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.
He is a retired businessman whose visionary leadership helped put into motion initiatives for the advancement of education and the betterment of the community.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in math from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Business Administration in accounting from the University of Alabama.
For 16 years, Burdette held the role of president at Fuller E. Callaway Foundation and Callaway Foundation, Inc. During his tenure, the Callaway Foundation was involved with projects that included Sweetland Amphitheatre, Wild Leap Brew Co., Del’avant Event Center, the AMC movie theater building, Courtyard by Marriott, downtown parking decks and Southbend Park.
After his retirement in 2018, he began Burdette Consulting LLC, where he serves as president.
With a background in accounting, he started out working as a senior auditor for Arthur Anderson & Co. in Atlanta from 1976-79 and then a partner at J.K. Boatwright & Co. in LaGrange from 1979-2002.
At LaGrange College, he was a consultant for the Board of Trustees from 1989-2000. He was named to the board in December 2000 and served on the Executive Committee and as Chair of the Investment Subcommittee. He received the Honorary Alumni Award in 2012.
Burdette serves on the boards of the Downtown LaGrange Development Authority, Industrial Development Authority, LaGrange Personal Aid Association, Medical Park Foundation and Wellstar West Georgia Health.
Baseball
Junior Carson Burgamy was named the Collegiate Conference of the South’s Player of the Week.
Junior Curt Bonner and seniors Adam Dorn and David Smigelski were named to the CCS All-Conference First Team.
Freshman Josiah Chiesa was named Rookie Pitcher of the Year and earned a spot on the CCS All-Conference Second Team.
Senior Jorge Fragoso was named to the CCS All-Conference Second Team.
Senior Tray Owens was named to the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.
Softball
Freshman Jaselyn Couch was named Rookie Player of the Year and earned a spot on the CCS All-Conference Second Team.
Junior Abby Hefner was named to the CCS All-Sportsmanship Team.
Category: College, Events
Keywords: Graduation, Education
