Jimmy Carter and Emory University go way back. He visited Emory to break ground on a new cathedral in 1979 while he was still President of the United States. Later in 1982 he partnered with Emory to found the Carter Center, a Center to focus on human rights, and to lessen human suffering around the world. President Carter wanted to do something great after he left office. He wanted to partner with a major university to bring his plans to fruition. There were several other universities interested, but in the end, it was Emory he selected. The Carter Center started in September 1982 at Emory University with only three employees, one of them being President Carter. The Carter Center was initially called The Carter Center of Emory University and was located on the 10th Floor of the Woodruff Library.
President Carter was also a beloved Emory Professor. He joined Emory University as a Distinguished Professor in 1982 as well. There were Secret Service Agents who accompanied him to his lectures. For years, President Carter lectured once a month in topics that ranged from religion to political science, public health and history. Any Professor could request that President Carter come to visit their class. Jimmy Carter also held a yearly town hall meeting for all of the first year students where they could get the opportunity to hear his words of wisdom and ask President all kinds of questions. After 37 years of teaching at Emory and at the age of 94, President Carter was finally granted tenure.
Below are some interesting articles complete with pictures commemorating President Carter's long relationship with Emory:
President Carter and Emory University Celebrate 40 Years of Partnership
Life and Legacy of President Jimmy Carter
Politics, Peace and Peanut Butter
President Carter Shares Leadership Lessons with Students