On Monday, Aug. 14, Augusta University dedicated the downtown Literacy Center to founder and former director Dr. Paulette P. Harris to remember her tireless work to improve literacy for all in the CSRA.
Located at the Hub for Community Innovation, at 631 Chafee Ave., Harris first founded the center back in 1990, and it was her goal to ensure everyone had free access to literacy instruction.
“I’ll always remember her welcoming personality, her sincere warmth, beautiful smile, kind heart, generous spirit, and clear desire and willingness to serve others,” said Dr. Judi Wilson, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “She was a selfless and consummate professional, who cared deeply and passionately about everyone around her.”
Under Harris’ leadership, the center was later named a National Exemplary Model by the National Reading Styles Institute, one of the nation’s leading research-based educational organizations devoted to improving literacy.
“One thing about Dr. Harris, when she saw potential in you, she made sure she helped you succeed all while pouring in you a love of literacy,” said Alli Bryan, a former graduate assistant to Harris and a current counselor in the Richmond County School System. “Thank you Dr. Harris for seeing in me more than I could have ever seen in myself, and helping shape me into the woman that I truly am today.”
Before her death in 2021, Harris was known to be instrumental in spearheading satellite literacy programs in local school systems, such as McDuffie and Richmond County, and was a renowned researcher and scholar with over 50 published works.
“[Harris] recognized the transformative power of literacy early on … and understood literacy was not only open books, but would open doors of knowledge and opportunities that were unavailable to children and adults who simply just could not read,” said Augusta University President Dr. Brooks Keel. “She greatly influenced thousands of young people’s lives through the literacy center … when Dr. Harris began the literacy outreach program three decades ago, who would have imagined the story we would continue today?”
With a portrait and plaque being displayed in the entrance of the Literacy Center, Harris’ face and name will be the first thing all visitors, volunteers and students will see to encourage them on their journey to improving their education.
Ever the humble leader, Harris’ husband, Steve Ruby, said his late wife would have been overwhelmed with emotion at the dedication, because of her generous spirit.
“I think it’s wonderful and well deserved. She did a lot for this university and the community,” said Ruby. “She would really love it.”
Towards the end of the ceremony, a video showcasing Harris’ impact on various Augusta University staff was displayed before guests were invited to tour the newly named Literacy Center.
The center is open every weekday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and is always open to those in need of tutoring.
“To be able to stand here and see her visions, dreams and life’s work brings me to tears,” said Bryan. “I know that she is smiling down on all of us, and I’m thrilled her legacy will live on by instilling a love of literacy one child at a time.”
To learn more about the Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center or to become a volunteer, please visit: https://www.augusta.edu/education/literacy-center/.
“Dr. Harris was one-of-a-kind,” said Wilson. “She was a true difference maker in every sense of the word … I wanted Dr. Harris’ family and friends to know that our college was committed to ensuring her legacy would never be forgotten.”
