Past Leader
Betsy Hodge
Name: Betsy (Lizabeth) Hodge
Chapter: Chi
Region: VII
DKG Member: 48 years
Educational Background: Betsy graduated from East Tennessee State University with a BS degree in Elementary Education. She received a M Ed in Elementary Education from North Georgia College. In 2001, Betsy received her National Board Professional Teaching Standards certification.
Bio: Betsy has served as president, second vice-president, secretary, and parliamentarian of Chi chapter. Through the years to present, Betsy led the Sunshine Committee keeping up with members through phone calls, mail, emails, and initiating the transition to electronic mailings. She organizes Chi members to visit members in nursing homes and at their homes. She initiated Chi’s work with Reading Connection and Family Justice Center. She was a Reading Connections Tutor of the Year. Betsy has served as a worker or leader in many community efforts: Girl Scouts, PTA president, Asheboro Zoo, American Red Cross, Kids Voting of Guilford County, etc. Her volunteer work at Wesley Memorial Church is extensive. Betsy has attended sixteen DKG state conventions and one international convention. She was Region VII’s 2022 Golden Key Award winner. Betsy’s most important contribution to Chi chapter is the mentoring that she has done for new presidents and other leaders. Her words of encouragement and sound advice have been invaluable to many Chi members.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “The teacher that I worked with early in my career taught me so much. She demonstrated professionalism as a teacher and encouraged me to join DKG. It was an honor to join DKG because it was an exemplary group of professional women who valued the importance of being a teacher.”
Chapter: Chi
Region: VII
DKG Member: 48 years
Educational Background: Betsy graduated from East Tennessee State University with a BS degree in Elementary Education. She received a M Ed in Elementary Education from North Georgia College. In 2001, Betsy received her National Board Professional Teaching Standards certification.
Bio: Betsy has served as president, second vice-president, secretary, and parliamentarian of Chi chapter. Through the years to present, Betsy led the Sunshine Committee keeping up with members through phone calls, mail, emails, and initiating the transition to electronic mailings. She organizes Chi members to visit members in nursing homes and at their homes. She initiated Chi’s work with Reading Connection and Family Justice Center. She was a Reading Connections Tutor of the Year. Betsy has served as a worker or leader in many community efforts: Girl Scouts, PTA president, Asheboro Zoo, American Red Cross, Kids Voting of Guilford County, etc. Her volunteer work at Wesley Memorial Church is extensive. Betsy has attended sixteen DKG state conventions and one international convention. She was Region VII’s 2022 Golden Key Award winner. Betsy’s most important contribution to Chi chapter is the mentoring that she has done for new presidents and other leaders. Her words of encouragement and sound advice have been invaluable to many Chi members.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: “The teacher that I worked with early in my career taught me so much. She demonstrated professionalism as a teacher and encouraged me to join DKG. It was an honor to join DKG because it was an exemplary group of professional women who valued the importance of being a teacher.”
Archive-Past Leader
Jeannette Pittman
Name: Jeannette Pittman
Chapter: Mu
Region: I
DKG Member: 51 years
Jeannette Pittman continues to be an honored leader of Mu Chapter. Her wisdom and sound advice are invaluable. She has participated in many State and International events representing DKG with dignity. Throughout her career she was interested in Exceptional Children, drop-out prevention, pupil services and plans for handicapped children.
Educational Background: Jeannette Pittman graduated from Women’s College (now UNC Greensboro) with a BA in Home Economics. Sher received a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education and a Sixth Year Certification in Administration from East Carolina.
Bio: Jeannette Pittman has held many chapter and state positions. Including serving as NC State President from 1989-1991. She also served on the International Membership Committee. She was selected to attend the first class of the Golden Gift Leadership Seminar in 1980, after she served on the Committee and as Chairman of the Committee. This experience gave her great leadership experience which she used in the years to come. Jeannette has always been interested in community service and has held many positions on several agencies that service children and persons with disabilities. She had a career dedicated to helping and serving children.
Why she accepted membership into DKG: Jeannette Pittman knew and worked with members of DKG who she admired. When she received her invitation, she was so honored. She did not hesitate to join this exemplary organization for women educators.
Lynne Leatherwood
Name: Lynne Leatherwood
Chapter: Alpha Phi
Region: XI
DKG Member: 41 years
Education and Profession: Attended Appalachian State University from 1968-1971 Graduating with her degree in Early Childhood. MA in Early Childhood Appalachian State University 1976-1978
About: Lynne Leatherwood continues to participate fully in life of Alpha Phi. Currently, she serves in a leadership role on the Membership Committee. Lynne provides wisdom and shares a positive perspective which guides sound decision-making.
Leadership and Community Service: Lynne served as Chapter President and was a member of a variety of State Committees. She also provided leadership as the Chair of the Membership as well as the Personnel Committees. Lynne was the North Carolina DKG Vice President during the 1993-1995 biennium. Lynne was then elected State President from 1995-1997
Why she accepted membership into DKG: Mary Cornwell shared, “I want you to join DKG, this is an organization you need to become active in.” I knew it was an organization I needed to be part of.”
Name: Lynne Leatherwood
Chapter: Alpha Phi
Region: XI
DKG Member: 41 years
Education and Profession: Attended Appalachian State University from 1968-1971 Graduating with her degree in Early Childhood. MA in Early Childhood Appalachian State University 1976-1978
About: Lynne Leatherwood continues to participate fully in life of Alpha Phi. Currently, she serves in a leadership role on the Membership Committee. Lynne provides wisdom and shares a positive perspective which guides sound decision-making.
Leadership and Community Service: Lynne served as Chapter President and was a member of a variety of State Committees. She also provided leadership as the Chair of the Membership as well as the Personnel Committees. Lynne was the North Carolina DKG Vice President during the 1993-1995 biennium. Lynne was then elected State President from 1995-1997
Why she accepted membership into DKG: Mary Cornwell shared, “I want you to join DKG, this is an organization you need to become active in.” I knew it was an organization I needed to be part of.”
Nancy McBryde
Name: Nancy McBryde
Chapter: Lambda
Region: VI
DKG Member: 39 years
Education and Profession: University of NC at Pembroke BA (summa cum laude); University of NC at Pembroke MA;
University of NC at Pembroke MS; University of NC at Chapel Hill - Principals’ Executive Program. Nancy served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association for Gifted and Talented Students for ten years. She served as secretary and vice president during this tenure. In 2001, she served as chair of the NCAGT state conference and is currently a member of The Student Club, an organization that is over 100 years old.
Leadership and Community Service: Nancy has been an active member of Lambda Chapter for 39 years. During this time, she has held the office of president for three terms, First Vice President for two terms, Second Vice President for one term, and Recording Secretary for two terms. In addition to holding these offices, she has served as chair of the Membership/Expansion, Professional Affairs, Communications, Program, Bylaws and Nominations committees. Her other chapter services include being a member of the Professional Affairs, Research, and Membership/Expansion committees. She organized the chartering ceremony for chapter expansion in 1992 forming the Delta Omicron Chapter in Scotland County.
Nancy’s State leadership services include being Region VI Director, chair of the Nominations Committee, and a member of the Personnel Committee and the Finance Committee. She attended 17 Eta State Conferences beginning in 1986-2014. In 2014, she attended her last convention and received the Golden Key Award. Throughout Nancy’s career, she has remained active in the First Presbyterian Church in Maxton, NC, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher. Currently, she is Ruling Elder and Clerk of Session.
Quote why she accepted membership in DKG: It was an honor to be asked to join DKG.
Juanita Snow
Name: Juanita Snow
Chapter: Upsilon
Region: IV
DKG Member Years: 45
About: Juanita has been Chapter President, 2nd Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary. Juanita has served on most of the chapter committees and was the auditor. She has represented Upsilon Chapter at Conventions several times. Juanita received the Upsilon Education Scholarship. She has been a member of NEA, NCAE, NC Association for Education of Young Children, Onslow County Association of Classroom Teachers, IRA, Vacation Bible School Director of her church, Past President of Jacksonville Charter ABWA, East Carolina Alumni Association, and Christian Library International (Prison Ministry). She graduated from East Carolina College with a BS in Primary Education and an MA K-5 from East Carolina University. Juanita took over as President when our President at the time abruptly resigned. She is a quiet, stay in the background kind of person, but she stepped up when no one else would and led our chapter for a year. Juanita was crucial in keeping Upsilon going. We would have collapsed without her strong leadership.
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’.”
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’.”
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.
