Vernon devoted his life to education. He was a faculty member at the Georgia Institute of Technology for 30 years.
During his tenure at Georgia Tech spanning 1949-1979, he held the positions of acting president, acting dean of the College of Architecture, acting dean of the College of Industrial Management, director of the School of Physics, dean of the General College and vice president for Academic Affairs. Because of his 30-year devotion to education, passion for student success and his success in his many roles, Vernon was asked by Governor George Busbee to serve as the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia in 1979, a role in which he excelled and served until 1985.
After his retirement from public service, Vernon was asked to join the Board of TUFF, where he served from 1988 until his passing in 1994. Vernon’s time on the board was during a period of rapid national expansion as TUFF grew its client list by providing loans to institutions to support the acquisition of research and technology equipment, as well as real estate.
In addition to his illustrious career, Vernon was known for enduring support of combating illiteracy in Atlanta by serving as the chairman of the board for Literacy Action. Vernon and his wife Helen both taught non-readers to read through their work with Literacy Action in Atlanta. Today, the Helen and Vernon Scholarship Fund provides financial aid for students who complete a literacy course and meet the requirements for college entrance. A book of his selected speeches was also published by Georgia Tech in 1999 and captures both his intelligence and warmth.