George Mabry '82—Distinguished Alum

When George B. Mabry, Jr. was sitting in lower school classes at Harding Academy in the 1970s, chances are he wasn’t concentrating on how much his education would pay off down the road. Nor did he have any idea he would be so involved in the school today. Yet George has stayed connected to Harding in so many ways.
George Mabry ’82 is a Harding parent of first grader Kate, and his 5-year-old son George will begin kindergarten at the school next year. “When I completed my education and decided to have a family,” says Mabry, “I immediately considered Harding Academy in my children’s future. I had special memories from my school years there, and I wanted my children to have the same kinds of experiences, the same faculty support.

“I also looked for ways to get involved,” continues Mabry, who is vice president in the Private Client Group at US Bank in Nashville. Today, George Mabry is serving in his third year on the Harding Academy Board of Trustees. He is also president of Harding’s Alumni Association. And, he’s one of Harding’s biggest fans.
Mabry says Harding offers a unique combination of innovation and continuity— always introducing advanced technologies in the classrooms, for example, while having dedicated teachers who remain with the school for years. He also describes a one-of-a-kind environment, where the best in academics, athletics, arts, and camaraderie combine. “It was such a positive environment when I was there as a student, and it still is,” he says. “I was totally prepared for my next level academically, yet I made friends who have remained so ever since.” Mabry has words of encouragement for all students: He reminds younger children to listen to teachers and appreciate their love of learning. For middle schoolers, he says, “Focus on using what you are learning in these early years and apply yourself. Use all the tools—they are all there at Harding—and you will be prepared to propel yourself to the next level successfully.”