Page 27 - Laker Connection Fall 2012

staff profile
PAT KEANE
SWITCHBOARDS TO SCOREBOARDS
Dreams were made real in the De- partment of Athletics on March 25, 2011 when the Clayton State women’s basketball team brought home the University’s first ever na- tional championship victory. That day was special to athletics’ Pat Keane for two reasons. Not only was she part of Clayton State history, it was also her birthday.
“It was the best gift I could have received!” says Pat, administrative assistant for the department of Athletics. “It’s one of my favorite memories from my years at Clayton State.”
Celebrating her 28 year staff anniversary in November 2012, Pat is second in staff seniority at Clayton State. She began her career at then-Clayton Junior College in 1984 working two nights a week.
“I saw an ad in the Clayton News-Daily for a part-time switchboard operator. Cilla Leed, then-di- rector of personnel, hired me. I am so very grateful that she gave me a chance,” recalls Pat. “The college was celebrating 15 years when I arrived, and many of the original faculty and staff were still here. It was like a big family...very friendly and welcoming.”
Pat became a permanent fixture on the Clay- ton State staff in September 1985 when she was hired full-time as record’s coordinator in Continuing Education. Following a promotion to Continuing Ed- ucation conference coordinator, Pat became the ad- ministrative assistant for Media & Printing Services in 1996 and joined the Department of Athletics in 2003.
In her current job, Pat supports the adminis- trators and coaches to ensure all of Clayton State’s Lakers have what they need to compete. That in- cludes arranging buses and vans for travel, handling travel monies, and performing office manager duties. Beyond keeping the Lakers in the game, Pat plays another significant role in her department. She men- tors student athletes.
“I love the students, and I enjoy interacting with them,” shares Pat. “They know I am available to help in any way, like helping them find the right contact on campus that can help solve a problem, or encouraging them to continue studying and get good grades.”
Pat helps students realize their dreams on and off the court, field,
track or green; and she says Clayton State University has made dreams real in her life as well.
“I had a few part-time jobs before coming to Clayton State, but this is the only full-time job I
have ever had, and I feel so fortunate to have it,” shares Pat. “My career at Clayton State is a dream come true. I work with such great people. Some of my best friends are from Clayton State, either present or former.”
When Pat is not cheering on the Lakers at Clayton State, she enjoys the great outdoors, attend- ing concerts in Atlanta and hiking and biking with her husband of 46 years, John. The couple originally hail from Philadelphia, PA, and set roots in Georgia in 1971 following John’s third and final job reloca- tion. They have three grown children (a daughter in Alpharetta, GA, a son in San Francisco, California and a son in Washington DC) and four grandchil- dren. They enjoy serving others, and have been ac- tive in their church since moving to the Atlanta area 41 years ago.
__ Lauren Graves
My career at Clayton State is a dream come true.
I work with such great people. Some of my best friends are from Clayton State, either present or former.
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