By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, GA — A historical marker was unveiled on Young Harris College campus by the Georgia Historical Society Nov. 1, honoring Zell Miller, former Georiga Governor, state Senator, and alumnus of Young Harris College.
Miller, during his tenure as governor, was instrumental in establishing the Georgia Lottery, which has provided more than 2.1 million students with HOPE scholarships and served more than 2 million 4-year-olds with voluntary pre-kindergarten programs since its inception in 1992. More than 450 students currently at YHC have received HOPE or Zell scholarships since the Lottery’s beginning.
“Zell Miller’s legacy as a Young Harris College graduate extends far beyond our campus. His vision for creating the Georgia Lottery, HOPE, and Zell Miller Scholarships has transformed the educational landscape of our state, making college more accessible and affordable for countless students,” said Young Harris College President Dr. Drew Van Horn. “As a proud alumnus, Zell’s commitment to education and public service continues to inspire our community at Young Harris College, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have. We are honored to uphold his legacy by ensuring students have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.”
The marker is next to the YHC Alumni House along Highway 76. It is also adjacent to a second historical marker on the YHC campus. The second marker commemorates the location of the first classroom at YHC, established in 1886.
“The creation of the Georgia Lottery was one of the most far-reaching and farsighted decisions in Georgia history, both in terms of business and education,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, GHS President and CEO, at the ceremony. “Making it possible for Georgia’s top students to attend college tuition-free has kept those highly motivated and well-educated young people in this state, rather than sending them beyond our borders. Retaining that kind of talent has helped to position Georgia as one of the leading states in the country to do business.”
Miller, a native of Young Harris, promised to institute a state lottery during his 1990 gubernatorial campaign, with proceeds directly funding new educational programs. After the Georgia Lottery Corporation’s adoption in 1992, the corporation began ticket sales in June 1993. The first-year revenue goals were met within five months. Reaching the goal of $463.5 million meant that Georgia surpassed Florida for the most successful first-year lottery.
“This historical marker is a symbol of the Georgia Lottery’s enduring legacy and a reminder of the positive impact we continue to make in the lives of Georgia’s students, families, and communities,” said Georgia Lottery Corporation President and CEO Gretchen Corbin. “It preserves our rich history for generations to come and provides a lasting place for both citizens and visitors to discover the Georgia Lottery’s contributions.”
The marker text reads: “During his 1990 gubernatorial campaign, Young Harris native Zell Miller promised to institute a state lottery, with proceeds directly funding new educational programs. The General Assembly adopted Miller’s plan in 1992, and Georgia voters approved it that fall. The Lottery began with great acclaim on June 29, 1993. The enabling legislation specified programs to be funded by Lottery proceeds, including college HOPE scholarships and grants, Head Start and pre-kindergarten programs, and developing physical and technological infrastructures for K-12 and postsecondary institutions statewide. The popularity of the Lottery and the programs it funds influenced other states to pursue lottery-funded educational programs. By 2023, the Georgia Lottery Corporation had provided more than 2.1 million students with HOPE scholarships and served more than 2 million 4-year-olds with voluntary pre-kindergarten programs.”
YHC senior Liam King was on hand for the event. King, a senior majoring in Marketing, Accounting, and Finance, and member of the YHC Cross Country team, was one of many YHC students who benefitted from HOPE and Zell scholarships. King has dealt with several challenges during his time at YHC, losing his mother to cancer and then his father passing while King has been at YHC.
“I am so grateful to the Millers and YHC and what it has meant to me as a student,” KIng said. “The common theme in our lives is time. And I am thankful that this experience has given me the ability to use my time well … to obtain a college education that I didn’t think possible after I lost my parents.”
For more information about the Georgia Lottery Corporation historical marker dedication, the Georgia Historical Society marker program, or the Georgia Business History Initiative, contact Elyse Butler, manager of Programs and Special Projects, at (912) 651-2125, ext. 119, or by email at [email protected].
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
