Mr. Avan T. Adams taught Agricultural Education for 32 years. At one time, he had more state officers than any other agriculture teacher in Georgia.

A native of Brooks County, Mr. Adams received his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education degrees in Agricultural Education from Tuskegee University. He served three years as a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Adams' professional years were devoted to the "total person" of all the young people with whom he worked. He gave selflessly of his time, wisdom and resources as he served Georgia's youth. He taught at Simmon Hill County Training School for three years, Cook County Training School for nine years and Twiggs County High School for 21 years. While teaching in Twiggs County, he also served as teacher-trainee supervisor for Fort Valley State University.

Mr. Adams' accolades in agriculture, NFA and FFA include a plaque for 21 years of service in supervising student teachers for Fort Valley State University, FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer, FFA plaque by Rudolph Collins, plaque for "Exceptional Leadership and Devoted Services" presented by Dennis King and Richardo Glover, and a plaque from the Fort Valley State University Alumni Association for 32 years of professional service.

Mr. Adams served as president of the Twiggs County Teachers Association from 1981 to 1983. Once he retired, he devoted himself to the Brooks County community. He served as the Quitman City Commissioner from 1983 to1995, only the second black person to be elected to this position. Mr. Adams helped secure grants for the city and was instrumental in renaming Washington Street to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive.

Mr. Adams is an ordained deacon at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, serving as a missionary in many areas. He especially helps with the annual feed-the-community drive. He is currently convalescing in the Presbyterian Nursing Facility in Quitman.