Memoirs of a Southern Liberal

Robert H. Ayers, 98-year-old former chaplain and head of the department of religion in the Franklin College, recently published Memoirs of a Southern Liberal:

Dr. Robert Ayers' life has been that of a “radical preacher” for decades, never afraid to ruffle feathers, when true Christian change has been necessary.  As an early proponent for racial integration in the South, he angered the power establishment.  As an advocate for the rights and dignity of sharecroppers, he upset the land owners.  As a believer in applying the actual lessons of Jesus in every day life, combined with his straight-forward speaking style and hard-nosed liberalism, Dr. Ayers has been the target of multiple Inquisitions in his life. Speaking truth to power has consequences, but “Dr. Bob” has always been willing to take the temporary hit in order to slowly bring about progressive change.  

"Thanks to the loud, but shallow, shouts of political pundits and the unparalleled reductionism of our modern sound-bite society, many people believe that the word 'liberal' is merely a political term, simply a decision to check the Democratic box on the ballot, as opposed to the Republican one. Liberalism is so much more than that. It's a point of view in one's approach to life itself. It's a term that identifies a way of interacting with the entire world, with all of its inhabitants, human and marsupial, vegetable and corporation, ocean floor and ozone layer. It's a raised platform that allows liberals to see beyond our front yard and clearly glimpse the other yards on the other streets in the neighborhood we call Earth."

We are quite often in awe of the accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students, and Dr. Ayers' tribute to his experiences and beliefs fulfills this sentiment yet again. His leadership, wisdom and good humor have served as a beacon of humility to generations of UGA students and shines through today. Thank you, Dr. Ayers, and congratulations on continuing your important work in our neighborhood.