Dr. Gene Christy Thomas Harris spent 37 years as a professional educator. She is a true women of great faith who God has used to impact thousands of students, families and fellow educators. She retired from Columbus City Schools in 2013. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Notre Dame and her Masters degree and PhD in Education from the Ohio State University and Ohio University, respectively. Dr. Harris served as classroom teacher, high school principal, supervisor of principals, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, state assistant superintendent and for 12 years, superintendent of Columbus City Schools.
Dr. Harris has served on a variety of volunteer boards and advisory committees including Action for Children, United Way of Central Ohio, and the Ohio University Board of Trustees, where she was chair in her final year as trustee. For 39 years, Dr. Harris has been a disciple at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church where she has served as high school Sunday school teacher, and Christ Centered Discipleship facilitator. Currently she is a member of the choir, participant in the Woman of Wholeness Ministry, chair of the Scholarship Committee, and vice-chair of the Ministry of Trustees. Also, Dr. Harris is a Group Leader for Bible Study Fellowship, an international Bible study group. Dr. Harris is married to Stanley E. Harris, a retired career banker. Together they have one son, Wade Thomas Harris (wife Belinda), and three precocious grandchildren, Nathan, Noah, and Naomi.