Dr. Delores B. Mallard Named Grand Marshal of the MLK Day Parade in Ludowici, Georgia
- Game Changers
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
A Lifetime of Educational Excellence, Leadership, and Community Impact Honored in Long County
written by Branson Hartsfield
LUDOWICI, GA (Long County) – Game Changers Magazine proudly celebrates Dr. Delores B. Mallard, a distinguished educator, administrator, coach, and faith leader, on being selected as Grand Marshal of the MLK Day Parade in Ludowici, Georgia. This prestigious honor reflects a lifetime of dedication to academic excellence, student empowerment, and community advancement in Long County and across the state of Georgia.
A Proud Daughter of Ludowici
Born and raised in Ludowici, Georgia, Dr. Mallard is the daughter of the late Ruth E. Johnson. A lifelong member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. James L. Evans serves as pastor, she embodies the values of faith, service, and commitment.
Her early education began at Walker Elementary and Walker High School before graduating from Mather School in Beaufort, South Carolina. From there, her academic journey accelerated. Dr. Mallard earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. She later received a Master’s Degree in Biology and an Education Specialist Degree from Georgia Southern University. In 2005, she achieved the pinnacle of academic accomplishment, earning her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her continued academic studies also included advanced coursework at Armstrong Atlantic State University, the University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, Augusta State University, and Skidaway Island Marine Institute demonstrating a relentless commitment to educational excellence.
Transformational Educator and Science Champion
Dr. Mallard’s teaching career spans decades of excellence. She taught at Lucy Laney High School in Augusta, Georgia, and later biology and physical science at Long County High School. She also served as an Adjunct Professor of Biology at Waycross College and as a Biology Professor at Central Texas College on Ft. Stewart. Her students earned state and national recognition for groundbreaking research in chemistry, biology, zoology, botany, mathematics, and engineering. They represented Long County at the University of Georgia in Athens and competed in California, Delaware, Michigan, Minnesota, and Canada. Today, many of her former students are educators, engineers, and medical professionals living proof of her lasting impact.
Academic Honors Include:
Georgia Nominee for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics (National Science Foundation)
Tandy Technology Scholar Award for Outstanding Science Teacher
Recognition by Secretary of State Lewis A. Massey for contributions to Georgia youth
Recognition by Governor Zell Miller for Outstanding Achievement in Science Education
STAR Teacher (1985 & 1992)
Long County System Teacher of the Year (1992)
Outstanding Georgia Science Educator Award (Georgia Science Teacher Association, 1990)
Dan Vaden Award for Going Above and Beyond in Education (2010)
Historic Leadership in Long County
In 2000, Dr. Mallard became Vice Principal of Long County High School. In 2004, she made history as the First Black Principal of Long County High School a milestone that transformed the educational landscape of the county.
Under her leadership:
Long County High School earned the Title I Distinguished School Award for making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for three consecutive years.
The school received recognition from the State School Superintendent for outstanding student achievement.
In 2009, according to U.S. News & World Report, Long County High School was recognized as one of America’s Best High Schools.
In 2011, the school was again recognized as a Distinguished Title I School in Georgia.
The Georgia State School Superintendent’s Office awarded Long County the Distinguished Achievement Award for Improvement on the Writing Test (2007–2009).
Beyond academic performance, Dr. Mallard implemented cultural and community-centered initiatives that continue today, including formal high school graduations, Black History Month recognitions, and Homecoming Parades—strengthening pride and tradition within the community.
Coach, Mentor, and Woman of Faith
While her administrative and academic accolades are extensive, Dr. Mallard often shares that her greatest joy came from working with students in the science club and coaching basketball. As a coach, she instilled discipline, teamwork, and resilience life skills that extended far beyond the court. After retiring from Long County High School, she returned part-time as the System Testing Coordinator and School Social Worker, continuing to serve until her full retirement. Today, she dedicates her time to her children, grandchildren, travel, and church service. She humbly states that while she is proud of her many accomplishments, her greatest degree is her “B.A.—Born Again” degree from what she calls the “University of Jesus Christ,” reminding all that her life’s work has always been rooted in faith and service.
A Fitting MLK Day Honor
The selection of Dr. Delores B. Mallard as Grand Marshal of the MLK Day Parade in Ludowici is both symbolic and significant. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for education, leadership, equality, and service. Dr. Mallard’s life embodies those same principles—breaking barriers, elevating youth, and uplifting a community through knowledge and faith.
Game Changers Magazine salutes Dr. Mallard for a legacy that continues to inspire generations in Long County and beyond.
About Game Changers Magazine
Game Changers Magazine, a publication of Game Changers Media Network, highlights leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers who are transforming communities across Georgia and the Southeast. For media inquiries, interviews, or feature opportunities, visit www.gcmnetwork.net Change Starts With Conversation.
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