Dorothy A. Brower

Ms. Dorothy A. Brower is a native of Moore County.  During her childhood, she lived in different cities in Moore County.  Ms. Brower is a “girl of the county.”  Ms. Brower’s parents worked for The Morrison Training School in Hoffman, NC.  This state institution was a reformatory school for African American boys.  Ms. Brower’s mother was employed as the Dormitory Counselor and her father was employed as a Social Worker and later became the Director.  They both lived on the reformatory school campus.  Ms. Brower 's father's professional achievements also included Director for Samarcand Manor (Eagle Springs, NC).   Ms. Brower decided she wanted to emulate her father as a Social Worker.  Her enthusiasm for leadership, advocacy and empowering others originated from her parents’ desire and actions to help the black community. As Ms. Brower stated to Bill Fields, “City on a Hill” PineStraw Magazine, “we grew up with self confidence that we can do, that we will do.”

Ms. Brower’s mother is her most influential woman.  Ms. Brower shares her mother’s name, Dorothy Brower.   Elder Brower “always gave back and helped family.”  Ms. Brower praises her mother for creating a “nurturing African American village.”

Ms. Brower, is a 1969 graduate of West Southern Pines High School.  Her class was the last graduating class prior to the opening of integrated and consolidated Pinecrest High School.  The campus for West Southern Pines High School was used as Southern Pines Primary – before the school closed in December 2020.  As Ms. Brower stated to Mary Kate Murphy in April 2018, “In Southern Pines, Honoring School’s Tradition in a New Site” The Pilot, “The good thing about this school moving on is that it makes property available to the community and it is our desire and our wish and our goal to repurpose this campus.  This is truly a historic school and we want to return it to the community.”  In February 2022, Ms. Brower participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for West Southern Pines Center for African American History, Cultural Arts and Business (formerly Southern Pines Primary School). 

Ms. Brower is passionate about teaching others “the power of your voice.”  She is devoted to helping children and families.  In her community of Moore County, she continuously provides leadership, advocacy and engages in social action events.  She models walking alongside Moore County parents when they need an advocate for their child.  Ms. Brower stays involved with the social, political and educational concerns in Moore County.  Moore County media outlets consistently highlight Ms. Brower’s activism.  She has been featured in The Pilot, Moore LIVE and Sandhills Sentinel.

Ms. Brower highlights her leadership skills as “a good listener,” makes connections with people outside of her circle who can assist with achieving the goal and “open to meeting new people.”  Her community groups include: President of Auxiliary of American Legion, Post 177, Chair for South Southern Pines Democratic Precinct, West Southern Pines Civic Club, West Southern Pines Citizens of Change, West Southern Pines Community Connectors (liaison between West Southern Pines and the Town Council), West Southern Pines Community Watch, Public Education Foundation of Moore County, Moore County Schools Retention and Recruitment and Moore County Schools African American Advisory Committee.  She is a member of Trinity AME Zion Church.  Ms. Brower consistently and continuously shows up, “I can be my own barrier if I don’t challenge myself.”

Ms. Brower earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from North Carolina Central University and also holds a certificate from the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  In addition, she is the recipient of an honorary degree from Durham Technical Community College. She received her honorary degree during last year's commencement, May 18, 2022.  Ms. Brower is the “first employee and retiree to receive an honorary degree from Durham Technical Community College.  Ms. Brower defines leadership as “learn to do a lot of things, accept extra responsibilities and let people know you are willing to do more.  At Durham Technical Community College, she had numerous leadership positions: Director of Adult Continuing Education, Human Resource Director, Director for Durham Tech Foundation, Chair of Affirmative Action Officer.  She retired from Durham Tech as the Director of Durham Tech Community College Orange County Campus.  Upon her retirement, a scholarship was created in her honor, Dorothy A. Brower.  As a result of her advocacy, this scholarship is for any high school graduate of Durham, Moore and Orange counties.

In Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she is a charter member for Sandhills Alumnae Chapter, April 8, 2009.  She is a proud LIFE Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. 

Ms. Brower exemplifies the founding principles of Sisterhood, Scholarship and Public Service.  She has held these leadership positions: Charter Recording Secretary and Co-Chair for Education Committee.

Ms. Brower believes “women are natural leaders.”  She encourages all women “if you want to do more, SHOW IT!”