Teresa Morgan made a promise years ago she vowed to keep – a promise to finish her college degree. And in July, after many long years of working toward that goal, she officially became a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of West Georgia.
The grandmother of nine with two more on the way, Morgan made the promise to her father-in-law, an uncle, and a cousin, all who needed her help.
“My father-in-law and my uncle both knew I had put college on the back burner to care for them,” said Morgan. “My uncle passed away in April 2017 and my father-in-law in January 2020. My cousin continued to push me to finish.” Her cousin, who is a disabled veteran, was able to proudly attend her graduation at the UWG Coliseum July 24.
Morgan is a 1985 Carrollton High School alum who said she was a strong math student who loved algebra and working with numbers. She decided after she graduated high school to attend nursing school, but found out there was a two-year waiting list.
“I didn’t want to wait any longer, so I went into the Information and Office Technology program at Carroll Tech (WGTC). This is where I fell in love with computers,” said Morgan. “I never wanted to be a secretary because I didn’t like typing on those old typewriters. However, Mrs. Helen Wortmann and Mrs. Sue McBrayer had both inspired me in the business pathway that I figured secretarial work would be okay. They were two of my high school teachers I came to love and admire. I even had the pleasure of working with both of them here at the high school.”
For years, Morgan has been the CHS registrar and has worked there going on three decades, starting out as an attendance secretary in 1995, advancing to guidance office secretary, and later as registrar. For many, she represents the bedrock of CHS.
Dr. Mark Albertus, superintendent of Carrollton City Schools, said he had the pleasure of working with Morgan when he served as principal of Carrollton High School.
“When I became the principal, I quickly realized she goes the extra mile in everything she does,” he said. “Because she was so dedicated, I remember her being apprehensive about asking me if she could leave 15 minutes early from work to take an afternoon college class. Knowing what all she did for our school and district, and that she routinely worked way beyond her scheduled time, it was no problem in my mind to let her do that. This is just one example of how commitment is important to her and it shows in her overall character.”
Susan Gordy, who just retired as an assistant principal at CHS and worked directly with Morgan in the curriculum and guidance office, said Morgan truly represents the district’s “gold standard” and is a “rockstar” of the school.
“She truly exhibits the qualities of a lifelong learner,” said Gordy. “Teresa is one of the most professional and hardest working individuals that I have had the privilege of working with throughout a 30-plus year career in Carrollton City Schools. She cares greatly for her colleagues as well as our students and families.”
Morgan’s family life is full. Her husband, Charles Morgan, also works for the district in the Transportation Department. They met while in high school and have been married for 35 years.
“He’s a 1983 Bowdon (High School) Red Devil and I’m a Trojan, but I try not to hold that against him,” Morgan quipped. They have three children, Orlando, Montrell and Vertrice, all CHS graduates, plus the nine-plus grandchildren.
Church is also a big part of Morgan’s life. She currently serves as the financial clerk at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Carrollton but has also served as the church clerk, secretary/treasurer to many ministries, as a choir member and praise dancer.
Pastor Christopher J. Bonner, who leads the congregation at Mt. Zion, said Morgan puts as much into her work in leadership there as she does at home or at the school.
“Teresa is a tremendous asset to our ministry,” he said. “Her primary role is the chairperson of our finance team and manages all the church’s financial assets. She is also a powerful prayer warrior and spiritual worshiper.”
Morgan’s busy work, family, and faith life makes her educational accomplishment even more impressive. What would be her advice for others?
“I would just tell them to follow your heart and never, ever, give up on your dreams,” she said. “When I first started at UWG, I started as an education major. I changed to business after my husband was hurt on the job and I knew I would become the main provider for my family. Life will always have challenges. It’s how you overcome the challenges that matter the most.”
Morgan said her next goal is to get an MBA in business in the near future, while she’s on a roll. “But if that doesn’t happen, I’m just happy to help those who I can on their college journey.”
