From Staff Reports

NEW YORK CITY — An Americus, Shirley Green-Reese, Ph.D., was nominated by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus to receive the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ (NBCSL) 2018 State Nation Builder’s Award. The Award was presented on Nov. 30, at the 42nd Annual Legislative Conference in New York City. For over 20 years, NBCSL has recognized the achievements of individuals at the national and state levels by presenting them with the Nation Builder Award. This is an opportunity for legislative members to pay tribute to someone special in each state and highlight his or her contributions in a national forum. A total of three individuals were honored as the 2018 State Nation Builders and recognized during the NBCSL’s Nation Builder Awards Ceremony.
Green-Reese has served in many academic and administrative roles in higher education and professional organizations, from marketing and fundraising to professorships. She is a graduate of Savannah State University where she received a bachelor of science degree in education, and Georgia State University where she earned her master’s degree. She earned her doctor of philosophy degree — in just two years — from Florida State University.
In 1993, Green-Reese became the first female Intercollegiate Athletic Director in the state of Georgia and a member of the highest national athletic organization, the NCAA’s Management Council where she served for five consecutive years. Also, she has served in several professional capacities including: chairperson/professor of health, physical education and therapeutic recreation; associate athletic Director; NCAA/ASU National Youth Sports Program Project Administrator and Activity director; senior woman athletic administrator; graduate professor; assistant vice president of University Advancement; director of Development, and clinical experience advisor, among other roles. As an avid researcher, Green-Reese has published and conducted many research projects concerning teacher job satisfaction, job stress, childhood obesity, and the future challenges facing collegiate athletics. In 1991, she researched, developed, and facilitated a first-time ever Board of Regents-approved bachelor of science, recreational specialist program for the Department Health and Physical Education, which is still offered today at Albany State University.
Throughout her career, Green-Reese has remained involved in numerous civic, academic, professional, and community-related activities and boards. Most recently, she served as a member of the Americus City Council and is currently president of the Youth Academic and Enrichment Program of Americus-Sumter County, formerly named the Boys & Girls Club of Americus-Sumter County Inc. Among her professional memberships are the National Health Alliance Association, National Minority Health Affairs Association, and the National Association of Collegiate Women Administrators. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter No. 26.
Green-Reese is a surviving member of the Leesburg Stockade Girls, a group of 15 African American girls ranging in ages 12-15, who were arrested for peacefully protesting for justice and equality during the 1963 Civil Rights Movement in Americus. The story of their inhumane incarceration and treatment is just beginning to reverberate as it is brought again into the light.