Past Leader
Lillian Burton
Name: Lillian Burton
Chapter: Gamma Pi
Region: VIII
DKG Member: 46 years
Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education at Pfeiffer College, 1968, Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at University of North Carolina - Charlotte, 1976 and Certification in Administration Level 1 at University of North Carolina – Charlotte, 1996
About: Lillian joined Alpha Mu chapter in 1976 and served on the Expansion Committee when the chapter expanded to three chapters creating Gamma Pi and Gamma Rho. Being a charter member of Gamma Pi, she served as the first chapter secretary and served four terms as chapter president. She has also served on formerly known “Eta State” committees including the State Planning Committee. In 2004, Lillian attended a DKG International Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Within her community, she has also served the Band Boosters Club as a member and an officer and served as a Carolina Bible Camp Counselor and teacher. The Lillian Burton Nature Trail at Mt. Pleasant Elementary in Mt. Pleasant, NC was named for her after completion of the UTOTES program there in 1998. The acronym stands for Using the Outdoors to Teach Experiential Science. The North Carolina Museum of Science program provides teachers with the knowledge and resources they need to take advantage of all the school grounds environment and what it has to offer. Lillian was instrumental in securing this ongoing relationship with the museum and facilitating its implementation.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “Several reasons played a part in that decision. First, I was ‘hooked’ by that little 3 X 6” card delicately written by a fellow teacher across the county whom I knew and admired. If she were a part of this society, I knew I would love being a part of it. And I did love being a member, interacting with other key teachers from my school system as well as from across North Carolina, attending conferences and conventions, and learning about this international fellowship, and being able to make new friends. From that handwritten invitation welcoming me to new experiences with others of my chosen profession to becoming immersed in the society and its work, I have grown immeasurably as a person and professional. As a member, I have felt ‘chosen’, ‘worthy’, ‘selected’, ‘invited’ and ‘welcomed’.”
Chapter: Gamma Pi
Region: VIII
DKG Member: 46 years
Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education at Pfeiffer College, 1968, Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at University of North Carolina - Charlotte, 1976 and Certification in Administration Level 1 at University of North Carolina – Charlotte, 1996
About: Lillian joined Alpha Mu chapter in 1976 and served on the Expansion Committee when the chapter expanded to three chapters creating Gamma Pi and Gamma Rho. Being a charter member of Gamma Pi, she served as the first chapter secretary and served four terms as chapter president. She has also served on formerly known “Eta State” committees including the State Planning Committee. In 2004, Lillian attended a DKG International Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Within her community, she has also served the Band Boosters Club as a member and an officer and served as a Carolina Bible Camp Counselor and teacher. The Lillian Burton Nature Trail at Mt. Pleasant Elementary in Mt. Pleasant, NC was named for her after completion of the UTOTES program there in 1998. The acronym stands for Using the Outdoors to Teach Experiential Science. The North Carolina Museum of Science program provides teachers with the knowledge and resources they need to take advantage of all the school grounds environment and what it has to offer. Lillian was instrumental in securing this ongoing relationship with the museum and facilitating its implementation.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “Several reasons played a part in that decision. First, I was ‘hooked’ by that little 3 X 6” card delicately written by a fellow teacher across the county whom I knew and admired. If she were a part of this society, I knew I would love being a part of it. And I did love being a member, interacting with other key teachers from my school system as well as from across North Carolina, attending conferences and conventions, and learning about this international fellowship, and being able to make new friends. From that handwritten invitation welcoming me to new experiences with others of my chosen profession to becoming immersed in the society and its work, I have grown immeasurably as a person and professional. As a member, I have felt ‘chosen’, ‘worthy’, ‘selected’, ‘invited’ and ‘welcomed’.”
Archive-Past Leader
Shirley H. White
Name: Shirley H. White
Chapter: Gamma Chi
Region: III
DKG Member: 52 years
Educational Background: The Woman’s College of The University of North Carolina, now UNC-G, B.A. in Primary Education (1960); East Carolina University, M.A. in Education (Supervision and Curriculum with Principal’s Certification (1980) She also held Early Childhood Education and Reading Certification.
About: Shirley joined XI chapter in 1970 and served as president, communications chair, and on several other committees. She became a charter member of Gamma Chi chapter in 1983 and has served as treasurer since that date. She has chaired and served on numerous committees for Gamma Chi. In 2014, she was the recipient of the Golden Key Award for Region III for her dedication to DKG and the work she does behind the scenes for her chapter.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: Shirley treasures her membership in DKG and cherishes the fellowship with her Gamma Chi sisters.
Name: Shirley H. White
Chapter: Gamma Chi
Region: III
DKG Member: 52 years
Educational Background: The Woman’s College of The University of North Carolina, now UNC-G, B.A. in Primary Education (1960); East Carolina University, M.A. in Education (Supervision and Curriculum with Principal’s Certification (1980) She also held Early Childhood Education and Reading Certification.
About: Shirley joined XI chapter in 1970 and served as president, communications chair, and on several other committees. She became a charter member of Gamma Chi chapter in 1983 and has served as treasurer since that date. She has chaired and served on numerous committees for Gamma Chi. In 2014, she was the recipient of the Golden Key Award for Region III for her dedication to DKG and the work she does behind the scenes for her chapter.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: Shirley treasures her membership in DKG and cherishes the fellowship with her Gamma Chi sisters.
Dr. Suzanne Mellow Irwin
Name : Dr. Suzanne Mellow Irwin
Chapter: Gamma Delta
Region: IX
DKG Member: 46 years
About: Dr. Suzanne Mellow Irwin, a member for 46 years is truly a treasure for our chapter, region, and state. Her professional accomplishments are numerous in education and DKG. She has served as chapter president and participates at the state and international level of DKG. She is a published author of soon to be four children’s books. She continues to serve our community in various organizations and is an elected member of the Alleghany County Board of Education.
Chapter: Gamma Delta
Region: IX
DKG Member: 46 years
About: Dr. Suzanne Mellow Irwin, a member for 46 years is truly a treasure for our chapter, region, and state. Her professional accomplishments are numerous in education and DKG. She has served as chapter president and participates at the state and international level of DKG. She is a published author of soon to be four children’s books. She continues to serve our community in various organizations and is an elected member of the Alleghany County Board of Education.
Dr. Barbara Day
Name: Dr. Barbara Day
Chapter: Delta Beta
Region: V
DKG Member: 52 years
Educational Background: Ph.D. and MEd from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; BS from East Carolina University, M.Div. from Duke University, Certificate in Anglican Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary
About: Barbara is a former teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. She also served as Chair of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As President of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Commission, Barbara chaired an Early Childhood Education Commission composed of 13 school districts from across the United States whose primary mission was the improvement of early childhood education programs. While serving on the Early Childhood Education Task Force for the National Association of State Boards of Education, Barbara helped publish “Right from the Start,” a blueprint for improving early childhood education throughout the United States.
Barbara has been an international lecturer and has been the keynote speaker at numerous professional organizations, honor societies, and national curriculum study institutes throughout the United States and abroad.
DKG Membership: Barbara served in leadership positions at all levels of Delta Kappa Gamma, including DKG International President. Barbara is considered a role model by chapter, state, and international leaders. She has mentored many during her successful terms. Others often seek her opinion and wisdom. Barbara wants what is best for the Society.
Chapter: Delta Beta
Region: V
DKG Member: 52 years
Educational Background: Ph.D. and MEd from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; BS from East Carolina University, M.Div. from Duke University, Certificate in Anglican Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary
About: Barbara is a former teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. She also served as Chair of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As President of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Commission, Barbara chaired an Early Childhood Education Commission composed of 13 school districts from across the United States whose primary mission was the improvement of early childhood education programs. While serving on the Early Childhood Education Task Force for the National Association of State Boards of Education, Barbara helped publish “Right from the Start,” a blueprint for improving early childhood education throughout the United States.
Barbara has been an international lecturer and has been the keynote speaker at numerous professional organizations, honor societies, and national curriculum study institutes throughout the United States and abroad.
DKG Membership: Barbara served in leadership positions at all levels of Delta Kappa Gamma, including DKG International President. Barbara is considered a role model by chapter, state, and international leaders. She has mentored many during her successful terms. Others often seek her opinion and wisdom. Barbara wants what is best for the Society.
Dr. Linda Marsal
Name: Dr. Linda Marsal
Chapter: Beta Alpha
Region: II
DKG Member: 46 years
Educational Background: East Carolina University, B.S. English, 1965; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, M.Ed. Special Education, 1968; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Supervision Certification, 1976; Nova University, Ed.D Administration/Supervision, 1985
About: Linda has maintained her membership as she has relocated over the years, Linda has served several DKG chapters in various roles including president, first vice president, and member/chair of committees such as finance, membership, and program. Linda’s service to the profession began in the classroom teaching educable students with disabilities. The last fifteen years of her career were spent with the Council for Exceptional Children in Washington, DC where she served as director. She is passionate about the Share the Bounty Food Pantry, a ministry she founded at her church that coordinates distribution of food to children and families experiencing food insecurity.
Chapter: Beta Alpha
Region: II
DKG Member: 46 years
Educational Background: East Carolina University, B.S. English, 1965; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, M.Ed. Special Education, 1968; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Supervision Certification, 1976; Nova University, Ed.D Administration/Supervision, 1985
About: Linda has maintained her membership as she has relocated over the years, Linda has served several DKG chapters in various roles including president, first vice president, and member/chair of committees such as finance, membership, and program. Linda’s service to the profession began in the classroom teaching educable students with disabilities. The last fifteen years of her career were spent with the Council for Exceptional Children in Washington, DC where she served as director. She is passionate about the Share the Bounty Food Pantry, a ministry she founded at her church that coordinates distribution of food to children and families experiencing food insecurity.
Connie Phifer Savell
Name: Connie Phifer Savell
Chapter: Delta Tau
Region: X
DKG Member: 41 years
Educational Background: Kings Mountain High School Alumni, Erskine College, Bachelor of Arts Degree, Appalachian State University, MA Reading
Professional accomplishments: DKG International Membership Committee, NC DKG State President, NC DKG First & Second Vice President, NC DKG Secretary, State Committee: Rules & Planning Chair, Leadership Development, NC DKG Educational Foundation member, Chapter President (Delta Tau & Beta Epsilon), Encourager/Supporter/Mentor to all chapter members, former School Board Member, NCAE Board of Directors, KMAE President, NCRSP Cleveland County President, Erskine College Board of Trustees, Bonclarken Board of Trustees, Boyce Memorial ARP Church Women's Ministries President & Choir member
Bio: Connie is the daughter of Marriott & Bess Phifer. She is married to Jim Savell and lives in Kings Mountain. Connie taught at North Elementary School for 31 years. In 1988, she was selected to teach in England with the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program. In 2002, she became a National Board Certified Teacher. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees at Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, N.C. She's a caregiver for her mother (age 103) and aunt (90). Connie is a servant leader who believes in developing leaders by encouraging them to accept roles and assisting leaders in being successful.
Chapter: Delta Tau
Region: X
DKG Member: 41 years
Educational Background: Kings Mountain High School Alumni, Erskine College, Bachelor of Arts Degree, Appalachian State University, MA Reading
Professional accomplishments: DKG International Membership Committee, NC DKG State President, NC DKG First & Second Vice President, NC DKG Secretary, State Committee: Rules & Planning Chair, Leadership Development, NC DKG Educational Foundation member, Chapter President (Delta Tau & Beta Epsilon), Encourager/Supporter/Mentor to all chapter members, former School Board Member, NCAE Board of Directors, KMAE President, NCRSP Cleveland County President, Erskine College Board of Trustees, Bonclarken Board of Trustees, Boyce Memorial ARP Church Women's Ministries President & Choir member
Bio: Connie is the daughter of Marriott & Bess Phifer. She is married to Jim Savell and lives in Kings Mountain. Connie taught at North Elementary School for 31 years. In 1988, she was selected to teach in England with the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program. In 2002, she became a National Board Certified Teacher. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees at Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, N.C. She's a caregiver for her mother (age 103) and aunt (90). Connie is a servant leader who believes in developing leaders by encouraging them to accept roles and assisting leaders in being successful.
