Sara Macy Petty was born November 10, 1912 to Charles and Ruth Petty of Randleman, North Carolina. She received her B.A. from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky and completed her M.A. from Columbia International University. After a few years of teaching in the public schools, in 1945, she established a Bible teaching program at CIU. In 1952, she became the Dean of Women. After 21 years as the college Dean of Women, she returned to teaching until 1979. She was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna at CIU.