Page 8 - Laker Connection Fall 2010

son’s] knowledge and their ability to give guidance. Sometimes good answers lead to better questions. Don’t be reluctant to ask – get intellectually curious and people will respond to you favorably.”
Hynes on Clayton State
When asked Clayton State’s greatest strength, Hynes doesn’t hesitate to answer: Clayton State’s strength is its people. With the excitement of a person who really has a passion for learning, he explains:
“We have faculty and staff who recognize our students for their hard work. Our faculty and staff create the conditions for profound differences for students. Our students truly believe that education can make a real difference in their lives and families. The combination of faculty and staff who create conditions for differences and students who work hard for those differences is the extraordinary strength of our institution. It makes it fun for me to come to work every day.”
Hynes credits the Clayton State faculty and staff for work- ing time and time again to translate the basic units of their disciplines to help students gain a sophisticated understand- ing of how that knowledge works outside of the University. He cited the nursing program and the School of Business’ efforts in the emerging field of logistics and supply chain management as examples, but is quick to acknowledge that the University community as a whole contributes to the success of our institution and – beyond that – the suc-
cess of society.
“I really believe, and I am an example of this, that
higher education is an investment of the state, region and of a people and not just a one-time expenditure. And not just something that benefits people with de- grees, but benefits society as a whole when a lot of peo- ple have degrees and are usually more open to the possibilities for themselves and the community. The record of return of investment for Clayton
ON LEARNING > I want to communicate my own sense of the joy of learning. I get excited about learning something new every day. I want to help develop a greater feeling of that throughout the institution.
Q&A WITH DR. HYNES >
What are your objectives as you begin your presidency?
I want to create a climate of transparency, and a belief in collaboration and shared values. We may not always agree, but there are many places where we begin in great agreement, and that creates a great place to start. I also want to create a habit of thinking strategically: who we are, where are we going and the best options to get there.
What has been your biggest challenge thus far?
Resources – the obvious elephant in the room – but aside from that,
getting to know, in a relatively short time, everything I can know about the University and its community to facilitate learning. The president is a steward of place, and I am learning about our locale, our community, our neighbors and our place as a comprehensive met- ropolitan public university.
What advice do you have for Clayton State students?
Students today face a complex political and social environment. It’s a far more complex world than what I faced as an undergraduate stu- dent in the 1970s. Although a lot has changed with college in the in- ternet and contemporary age since when I was an undergrad, this stays
6 THE LAKER CONNECTION
Below: Hynes speaks at the New Student Convocation, a program designed to inspire, motivate and welcome new students to Clayton State University.