YHC honors ICL co-founder, YHC alum John Kay
Young Harris, GA (01/16/2026) — Young Harris College honored the co-founder of the Institute for Continuing Learning and an integral player in the history of Young Harris College on Jan. 10, designating it "John Kay Day." The proclamation was made at an ICL Board meeting, where the organization also celebrated its 35th anniversary.
"It's an honor to be a part of this celebration, honoring John Kay and his impact, not to mention 35 years of ICL serving the Young Harris community," said Dr. John Wells, YHC President. "The things ICL offers, and the variety of courses, are in line with what YHC aims to accomplish. We want to create lifelong learners at Young Harris College, as we send our students out into the world."
Wells read a proclamation at the meeting, honoring Kay, who was also in attendance. An alum of YHC, Class of 1956, Kay was a member of the YHC staff and faculty, serving at the College since 1967. He was also a minister, serving at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church from 1967 to 1980. He taught courses at YHC in religion and philosophy from 1967 to 2001, serving on the faculty full-time beginning in 1980. For 15 years, from 1967 to 1982, he was also the College's Director of Religious Life.
"Few people achieve the status in life, being as loved and respected as John is," Wells said. "He is a tremendous asset to the community, as well as the College."
"There is a door to my heart for Young Harris College, and it always will be open," Kay said, accepting the proclamation and appreciation from Wells. "I am so thankful for the symbiotic relationship between ICL and YHC. And also to Dr. Wells for always accommodating us on the YHC campus."
ICL leaders Steve Demand and Jill Long presented YHC with two generous checks for student scholarships as well as the John and Patti Kay Endowed Scholarship in Environmental Sustainability. The ICL also approved its new board for 2026 at the meeting: Jill Long - president; John Cain - vice president; Liz Hendersonville - secretary; Heather Woods - treasurer; and Kevin Crowley, Kathy Peterson, and Lisa Burleson - members-at-large.
Working with Frances Evans, Kay helped found the ICL in 1991 in Young Harris, offering courses for the community, ranging from "How to Play Bridge" to Photoshop software to mountain gardening. Affiliated with more than 400 Lifelong Learning Institutes across the United States and Canada, the ICL offers courses during four semesters throughout the year - winter, spring, summer, and fall. You can learn more at www.iclyhc.org.
"It's hard to talk about ICL and not mention John," Wells said. "He's a wonderful man and friend who has helped me, as well as everyone at this College. We value the relationship with him and ICL. You all are a part of Young Harris College and welcome here on campus anytime."
Kay served as YHC's representative to ICL from its inception to 2005. He is still an emeritus member-at-large of the ICL board of directors.
He and his late wife, Patti, who was also a lifelong educator deeply engaged in the community, were married for 60 years and had three children, all of whom attended Young Harris College. Some of the organizations they supported for many years include: the Byron Herbert Reece Society, the Blue Ridge Mountain Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Towns County and Mountain Regional libraries.
"I give credit to Frances Evans for ... unrelentingly ... appealing to me to establish an organization like ICL," Kay said. "Once we first got it started, it never stopped. I'm so thankful for all the contributions, and for Young Harris College, in creating something that has been beneficial for the College and the community."
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master's degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 34 majors and 23 minors, ranging from biology or outdoor studies to business administration or sport and kinesiology. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its undergraduate, dual enrollment, and graduate programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
Media Attachments
Mark Dotson, vice president of Advancement, left, and Dr. John Wells, YHC President, right, presented John Kay, co-founder of the ICL, with a proclamation Jan. 10 at a board meeting for the ICL.
Young Harris College
Steve Esser, slesser@yhc.edu, (706) 379-5331Share this Story
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