Awards
Outstanding Alumna Award - 2012
The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation introduced the Outstanding Alumna Award at the 1982 Convention in Atlanta to recognize ZTA alumnae who have become outstanding leaders in their chosen professions, demonstrated significant accomplishments and made notable contributions to society. Many of the past recipients have also served the Fraternity in their post-collegiate years, but that is not a requirement for the award. These outstanding women serve as role models for all members of Zeta Tau Alpha and their informative and inspiring speeches are highlights of our biennial Convention. You can view all Outstanding Alumna recipients here.
Phyllis George
Gamma Phi Chapter, University of North Texas
Phyllis Ann George sees her life as a crazy quilt—a unique work of patchwork art, with no preplanned pattern, that beautifully represents significant events. Like the 19th-century crazy quilts that symbolized women’s ingenuity, Phyllis’ career showcases a pioneering spirit and an ability to embrace change and respond to opportunity.
“I have done a lot of things. Some say I’m an overachiever. But really, I’m just a small-town girl who used Miss America as a stepping stone,” says Phyllis, a native of Denton, Texas. While a member of Gamma Phi Chapter at University of North Texas, she was crowned Miss Texas. That crown came with a scholarship to Texas Christian University, so Phyllis transferred her membership to Gamma Psi Chapter. In 1971, she was crowned the 50th Miss America.
While 49 women had preceded her as Miss America, none had gone before her in her next steps. In 1973, CBS hired Phyllis as Allen Funt’s first co-host on “Candid Camera.” One year later, CBS Sports offered her a 13-week trial as co-host of its professional football pregame show, “The NFL Today.”
“I never dreamed of being a sports broadcaster, although, growing up in Texas, I always loved sports,” Phyllis says. “I had to study hard to learn as much as I could about the people I would interview. I asked the questions that I thought curious fans wanted answered. I found my niche and filled a void.”
Her pioneering career with CBS Sports lasted 10 years, during which time she married John Y. Brown, Jr. He was elected Governor of Kentucky in 1979 and soon after, the state fire marshal condemned the Governor’s Mansion. Phyllis organized the “Save the Mansion” group to restore it. “I took criticism because people thought the plan was too extravagant,” she recalls. “If you are taking risk, then you need to be prepared to take heat. But you have to be flexible and listen to others.”
Phyllis embraced her new Kentucky home and her love for the creative work of the hands inspired her to co-found the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft. The first-ever such museum in the United States, it showcases the artisans and their work and is now a role model for other organizations. She has also written three books on crafts and quilting.
She and John Brown have two children: Pamela, now a broadcast reporter and anchor in Washington, D.C., and Lincoln, a successful entrepreneur. “My most important role is being a mother to Pamela and Lincoln,” she says. “They are my greatest achievement.”
While juggling a career and her family, Phyllis came up with an idea that became a grocery staple. Her company, Chicken by George, began in her kitchen and was the first to package boneless, skinless marinated chicken breasts. After a successful startup, she sold the company to Hormel.
Over the years, Phyllis has championed many humanitarian needs, including Save the Children and Special Olympics. She is a passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s research, having lost her best friend, her mother, to the insidious disease. She annually honors caregivers who provide their loved ones with dignity and grace.
In 2003, Phyllis wrote her fourth book, “Never Say Never –Yes You Can,” a collection of personal insights and lessons from her life and her friends.
Now, 41 years after being crowned Miss America, Phyllis still embraces challenge. “When someone tells me, ‘it’s never been done before,’ I think, maybe we need to do it,” she says. “Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. If you lose, don’t lose the lesson. Moving forward and thinking positive. That’s what I plan to do next.”