Education was an important issue to Southern Governors even during the turmoil of the Great Depression. As the South worked to repair its economy in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, a big portion of its efforts were aimed at improving public education. Starting with higher education, Southern Governors, along with academic leaders, became pioneers in lifting the low education standards throughout the region.

Today, Southern Governors are actively engaged in the national discussion about how to improve K-12 education and encourage attendance to post-secondary education institutions, and have been working hard within their respective states to identify and implement the policy changes required to meet the education needs of their citizens. Our Governors fully recognize the importance of cultivating an educated, motivated and productive workforce in order to sustain the region’s long-term economic growth.