Divinely Driven
News
News
Southern alum Mamie Pruitt, ’79, knew she wanted to be a physical education teacher in fifth grade, when she was inspired by her own teacher. “She taught me about sports but also about fitness and cooperation,” Pruitt shares.
Pruitt, who has taught physical education in the Atlanta metro area for 39 years, believes it is a critical aspect of a child’s development. “I was privileged to teach young people the proper way to keep their bodies safe and healthy while having fun,” she explains. “I want kids to know how God intends for their bodies to work.”
Fostering a Passion
Faith and passion go hand in hand for Pruitt, who considers her health a testimony to God. She says, “When we look happy and feel good, that lets everyone know that the God we serve is happy and good.”
Pruitt attended Oakwood University in Alabama before transferring to Southern. “I knew I’d be teaching kids of all cultures and all communities,” she says, “so I wanted to experience multiple ways of teaching at different schools to better reach different demographics.”
“God and I had a contract when I first realized I wanted to teach,” Pruitt says. “I told God that I wanted to be the best teacher in the whole wide world, and He has allowed me to do just that.” Her divinely driven impact on physical education in the most populated city in Georgia has been nothing short of profound. She opened four K-5 schools and fostered impactful relationships with hundreds of students.
Gaining Recognition
Pruitt’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, and many organizations and individuals have awarded her achievements. She especially remembers receiving Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move award in 2014. “It was really personal to get an award from the First Lady of the United States,” she reflects. Pruitt had created and implemented a program based on Obama’s initiative that encouraged kids and the community to be active outdoors.
Other recognitions championing Pruitt’s philosophy of teaching are Community Leader of the Year from the National Council of Negro Women, Super Teacher of the Year for Metro Atlanta from SWB-TV, and 2023 Advocate of the Year from the Georgia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
Community involvement has long been another important aspect of Pruitt’s life. She volunteers with the American Red Cross, Metro-Atlanta Girls Club, United Way, and her church’s food pantry. “If I can provide a small spark of hope by helping people, then I’m going to find a way to do it,” Pruitt shares.
Each year during Homecoming Weekend in October, Southern Adventist University honors an alum who has “made significant contributions above and beyond in his or her area of expertise,” according to Cheryl (Fuller) Torres, ’05, director of Alumni Relations.
Pruitt was recognized as Southern’s 2024 Alumna of the Year, and her fond memories from time on campus make the honor all the more meaningful.
“One of my professors, Don Moon, and his wife kept in contact with me, even after I graduated from Southern,” Pruitt reminisces. After she was hired for her first teaching job, Moon showed up to her classroom to surprise her. “I almost cried,” she says. “It meant so much to have him visit, and it was the best thing I could imagine for kicking off my career as an educator.”
Despite her achievements, Pruitt remains humble. “I just want to be an example, both for myself and for young people,” she says. “I’m not perfect, but I want to be able to point people to God and show them what He wants for us.”
Recognition for her passion and faith keeps Pruitt motivated in her field and open to collaboration with other professionals to improve their schools’ programs.
The views and opinions of campus guests do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Southern Adventist University. An individual's or group's invitation to speak or present on campus should not be regarded as a university endorsement of their philosophies and beliefs.