Newsroom
Setting the Standard
Posted on Jul 28, 2025
Kedirone Harris (right), an alumnus of Fort Valley State University (agricultural economics), teaches agricultural education at Cahoun County High School in Edison, Georgia.
When Kedrione Harris walks into a classroom at Calhoun County High School, his height alone commands attention. Standing at six feet, seven inches, he may be one of the tallest educators in the state of Georgia.
Harris, a native of Edison, Georgia, graduated from Fort Valley State University (FVSU) in 2008 with a degree in agricultural economics. He also graduated from Salem International University in 2010 with a Master of Business Administration.
For the past 14 years, Harris has taught agricultural education and served as advisor for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) at Calhoun County High in his hometown. As an agricultural educator, he covers various subjects including agricultural science, technology, horticulture and animal science.
He also guides students in planning and executing individual Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects and promotes FFA within the school and community. In addition, Harris serves as the Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) director where he manages and oversees all CTAE programs.
“It is my responsibility to ensure the programs are aligned with state and federal guidelines and make sure they meet industry standards while addressing local workforce needs,” he said.
While growing up in Edison, Harris was raised on a 1100-acre farm. Crops grown on the land included peanuts, corn, cotton and sorghum. The agriculture educator is actively engaged in the day-to-day operation of the farm that is owned by his father, Wilbon Greggs, who attended Fort Valley State College.
After graduating from Calhoun County High School and lettering in basketball, Harris decided to attend FVSU. He followed his father, sister and several aunts to the institution and accepted a scholarship to play basketball.
“I also wanted to major in agriculture,” he said.
When selecting his major, Harris said the process was simple. He started by completing a postcard to inquire about FVSU’s agriculture program. When asked what his intended major would be, he selected agricultural economics.
“I wanted to follow my sister, Jacquelyn Howard, who started out with the same major,” Harris said.
Once he arrived in middle Georgia, Harris wasted no time getting the most out of campus life.
“I was able to socialize and meet people from different socio-economic backgrounds. I also enjoyed homecoming and participating in the agriculture program,” he said.
Furthermore, the Calhoun County native expressed FVSU’s classroom atmosphere. “I had a fantastic academic experience while at FVSU. I was exposed to many great professors, guidance leaders and administrators while I was there,” he said.
In addition to focusing on his classroom assignments, Harris had time to participate in extracurricular activities. He pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated and was a starter on the men’s basketball team. As a varsity athlete, he had to balance his studies accordingly.
“As a student-athlete and member of a team, our time had to be prioritized. Academics came first and we had mandatory study hall after practice,” he said.
Despite having a full plate both socially and academically, Harris managed to complete an internship at Golden Kist Poultry (now Pilgrim’s Pride) in Douglas, Georgia.
“While an intern, I was able to focus on developing my knowledge, skills and abilities related to poultry production, processing and agribusiness operations.”
After graduating from FVSU, Harris worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for several months before heading to Calhoun County to become a teacher. He also worked for two years as an agriculture teacher in the Bibb County School District.
His efforts as an agricultural educator in Calhoun County caught the attention of the Georgia State Senate.
“I was nominated to fill a vacant position on the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC). Upon senate approval, Governor (Brian) Kemp swore me in and appointed me to serve,” Harris said.
In 2021, Harris served as a commissioner on the Ethics Educators Review Committee (EERC) of the GAPSC and was promoted to EERC vice-chair in 2022. Two years later (June 2024), Gov. Kemp reappointed Harris to serve a second term as chair of the EERC.
“My role as a GAPSC committee member is to oversee the preparation, certification and disciplinary actions of public educators in Georgia. This includes setting standards for teacher certification, reviewing educator preparation programs, and investigating and taking action against educators who violate the state’s Code of Ethics for Educators,” Harris said.
Harris added that when he was presented with the opportunity to serve as EERC chair, he felt honored.
“To be considered for a position like this speaks volumes of the individuals who thought that much about me. I greatly appreciate them,” he said.
More importantly Harris said his educational and administrative duties are to help students.
“I love what I do. I have a passion for kids and the ability to help them maximize their potential for greatness. I value the opportunities to shape young minds, help students achieve their goals and help them grow academically. I also enjoy fostering meaningful connections with students, parents and colleagues,” he said.
As an FVSU alumnus, Harris has a biased sales pitch when promoting his alma mater to interested students. Especially to those interested in studying an agricultural discipline.
“FVSU has a strong tradition in agriculture and has many scholarships and internship opportunities. Agriculture is a growing field with diverse career paths and FVSU has been rated the top public Historically Black College and University in Georgia for the past seven years.”
- Categories:
- FVSU Agriculture College
- Alumni