Special to the WJH
Dr. Erin Ethridge Harvey is an honor graduate of Ware County High School, Class of 2003, whose life and career have been defined by dedication to athletics, academics, and service.
During her time at Ware County High School, Dr. Harvey was a versatile and highly competitive student-athlete who participated in basketball, track and field, and other athletic activities, that demonstrated her commitment to both teamwork and excellence.
She also competed in softball during her high school years, further reflecting her versatility as an athlete. In track and field, she competed in the high jump and became the region champion in 2001. She also participated in track for one year before sustaining an ACL knee injury.
On the basketball court, Dr. Harvey established herself as one of the most dependable players on the team. Known for her determination and work ethic, she averaged 12 points and 12 rebounds per game and was recognized as one of the top rebounders on the team. Her performance earned her all-Region honors during her senior season in 2003.
Following high school, Dr. Harvey continued her academic and athletic journey at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Ala, where she was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament team in 2004.
She later attended Alabama State University, where she continued her basketball career while maintaining strong academic performance. In 2007 she was named to the Southwestern Athletic Conference All-Academic team.
Dr. Harvey continued her academic advancement by earning a Bachelor of Science degree, later completing a Master of Science degree at Troy University and ultimately earning a Doctor of Education degree from Valdosta State University. Throughout her career in education, Dr. Harvey has demonstrated a commitment to institutional instructional excellence and to developing student- athletes both academically and character-wise. She has served as an educator, coach and administrator while continuing to positively influence students both in the classroom and through athletics.
One of her most memorable moments as an athlete came during her sophomore year when Ware County faced Mount Zion High School in the state playoffs. Facing a team with taller post players, Dr. Harvey admitted she was nervous about the challenge ahead.
During one key play, she stole the ball, started a fast break, executed a spin move, and scored a basket that helped shift the momentum of the game.
That moment gave her a renewed sense of confidence and became a defining experience which shaped her leadership both on and off the court.
Dr. Harvey credits many mentors who helped guide her journey, including coach Cribb, coach Ranew, coach Brown, coach O’Brien, coach Oliver, coach Harris and coach Mc-Daniels.
Through their mentorship, she developed discipline, perseverance, and a deep understanding of teamwork and accountability, lessons that extended far beyond the basketball court to leadership, education, and athletics.
She also recognizes her parents, Juanita and Larry Ethridge, as her first and most influential mentors. Their guidance instilled in her the importance of leadership, integrity and leading by example, values that continue to shape her work as an educator and administrator today.
Throughout her career, Dr. Harvey has received numerous honors recognizing her dedication to students and athletics. She has been named Waycross Middle School Teacher of the Year, Hahira Middle School Teacher of the Year, and FCA Coach of the Month.
As a coach at Waycross Middle School, she led the girls’ basketball team to multiple conference championships while mentoring young student- athletes.
Dr. Harvey later served as assistant principal at Waresboro Elementary School, where she continues to support student success and leadership development. The lessons she learned from family, coaches, and mentors continue to guide her leadership approach as she works to inspire students both academically and athletically.
Dr. Harvey is the daughter of Lawrence Ethridge (deceased) and Juanita Ethridge, with Karen Ethridge serving as her bonus mother. She is married to Terence Harvey, and together they have three children, Terence, Gabriel and Amira. Her siblings include Adrienne Ethridge, Lawrence Ethridge, Andre Dickerson, Nicole Ethridge Russell and Denise Ethridge.
Dr. Harvey’s life and career reflect a deep commitment to education, athletics and community service. Her experiences as a student-athlete and educator continue to reinforce her dedication to serve, inspire, and positively impact others.
