Galer, Mary Jane, 1924-2023
Biography
Mary Jane Perkins Galer was born in Port Arthur, Texas on June 24, 1924. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1945 with a B.A. in Education and began her career as a teacher and librarian. She later earned a Masters degree in library science from Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1947. She loved to travel and became an Army Special Services Librarian, setting up libraries for soldiers at bases around the world. In 1951, she met and married her husband of 66 years, US Army LTC (Ret.) Robert Fulton Galer. In 1960, the family was stationed at Fort Benning, where Mary Jane Galer became the post librarian. In 1967, she joined the Columbus State University staff as librarian and became an Associate Professor.
In 1976, Mary Jane Galer felt called to serve the Muscogee County district in the State Legislator. Due to her position at the University however, she was forced to resign. She sued the State and the University System in order to keep her position but was unsuccessful. Much of her work as a legislator focused on the rights and well-being of women and children including child support enforcement laws, and the Equal Rights Amendment.
Mary Jane Galer received many awards and accolades throughout her life and career including the Certificate for Outstanding Achievement in Public Service, Soroptimist Award, and the Maxine Shapiro Goldenstein Freedom Award.
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Bob and Mary Jane Galer Collection
This collection was generated by Robert and Mary Jane Galer. Mary Jane is a retired CSU librarian, a State Representative and a women's rights advocate, as is her husband. Bob is a retired Lt. Colonel of the U.S. Army and served on the Race Relations Committee in Columbus, Georgia. Mary Jane served on the Committee for Women's Issues.