Annual Governor’s Summit

August 22, 2023

Since 2017, the Deal Center has been delighted to host its annual Governor’s Summit, designed to gather early language and literacy advocates and thought leaders throughout the state. This year’s event, Supporting Emergent Literacy Development with Evidence-based Early Language and Literacy Practices for Young Children, was held July 12-13 on the Georgia College & State University campus in Milledgeville. The agenda and activities featured a variety of engaging topics, including reading instruction, cross-sector collaborations, pilot programs, and needs for the future. Esteemed speakers from across Georgia joined the Summit activities, and Governor Brian Kemp provided a special welcome message for our guests. During the dinner and fundraising event honoring the life and legacy of Sandra Dunagan Deal, we proudly unveiled a portrait of Mrs. Deal painted by GCSU art student Damara Sochacki. Our new Executive Director, Dr. Lindee Morgan, kicked off day two as participants delved into policy and practices relevant to moving the needle on childhood literacy.

Special thanks to our Choice Curator sponsors, Georgia Lottery Corporation and the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy and its free online Cox Campus. We would also like to recognize our other Visionary, Deal Center Supporter, and Literacy Advocate sponsors – and of course, thank you to all of this year’s attendees. We look forward to hosting many more summits in the future!