Page 35 - Laker Connection Fall 2009

button,” it involved reviewing and revis- ing curriculum and developing policies to be sure currently enrolled students would not be penalized because of the change. Many hours were spent not only converting the curriculum but also advising individual students. Clayton State was fair to the students and erred on the side of the student.
Dr. Thomas Harden was appointed Clayton’s third president in 2000, and Dr. Sharon Hoffman became the Provost/Vice President of Academic Af- fairs in 2002. It was during Dr. Harden’s and Dr. Hoffman’s years that program offerings increased to more than 30 baccalaureate degrees.
In 2005, the name changed again— to Clayton State University. In 2006, the University began offering graduate pro- grams and now has seven master’s de- grees. The number of bachelor’s and master’s programs represents a change in Clayton State’s focus from
vocational/technical programs in the 1980s and1990s, to bachelor and mas- ter’s programs in the early years of the 21st century.
Clayton State offers classes more than just on the Morrow campus... it now offers classes in Fayette County and many classes are offered online. How- ever, when you come to the Morrow campus, the beauty of the campus still exists.
During my 27 years as a faculty member, I reported to more than 15 dif- ferent bosses—ranging
from controlling and
So I ask you — did I work at Clayton State doing the same thing for so many? I can honestly say “no,” and I was not bored. Clayton State is a changing university, and it was a great place to begin my college career and to work for 27 years.
Dr. Benita Harris Moore is a Clayton State graduate (class of 1974), former long-time (27 years) Clayton State fac- ulty member, a two-time interim Dean of the School of Technology, and a for- mer director of the Alumni Association.
ITP not only equipped students with laptops; it involved re-educating faculty members to use technology in the classroom and in assignments - a depature from the old way of lecturing.
calculating to genius and unpredictable. I must say, it was a pleasure working for most of them, and I was afforded many op- portunities and am thankful for a wonderful career. You don’t have the luxury to choose your family nor do you get to choose your
Benita’s early years on the faculty.
bosses. You
can learn and grow from the experience you have with each person you work with. I feel blessed to have had 27 wonderful years at Clayton State — I learned so much and matured in so many ways.
The Moore family at Benita’s retirement celebration in 2009.
Clayton State University - Fayette
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While the campus has evolved in its 40 year history, Clayton State’s beauty has remained unchanged. A history of the University would not be complete without a nod to the mute swans have inhabited the University’s main,12-acre lake - Swan Lake - for the past 14 years. The current pair are Rhett II and Belle. To learn the entire history of the swans, visit our website: http://about.clayton.edu and click on “University” and “legends/mythology.”
CAMPUS BEAUTY - OUR SWANS