Carley Sullivan Papers

Carley Sullivan graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Political Science and Journalism. In 1952, she married her husband, Willard, who passed away in 1987. They had four children: Blaine Sullivan Rose, Valerie Sullivan Mitchell, Peggy Sullivan Hagen, and Daniel Edward Sullivan. In 1955, they moved to to Elko, Nevada, where she worked for the Elko Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Youth as a management assistant.

Sullivan's interest in education led her to serve at both the local and state levels. She was very active in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in Elko and the state of Nevada, serving as an officer in many capacities. In 1980, she was elected to the Nevada State Board of Education and served as a member, vice-president, and president of the School Board, retiring from the Board in 1994. She was appointed by Nevada Governors Sawyer, Laxalt, O'Callaghan, and Bryan to many advisory boards and commissions, including Drug Abuse, Education, Health, Safety, and Juvenile Concerns. She attended many conferences on education, including the White House Conference on Children and Youth.

Outside of education, Sullivan served as a member of the Business and Professional Women organization and held a state-wide office. She also served as an officer and member of the American Lung Association of Nevada, and the Democratic Party of Nevada. She received many awards, including the proclamation of "Carley Sullivan Day" by Governor Richard Bryan.