Page 2 - Laker Connection Spring 2012

President’s Message
Like this issue of The Laker Connection, Clayton State University’s new strategic plan is all about learning and students.
The vision of the strategic plan is as follows: through a distinctive combination of proven and innovative methods of teaching and learning, Clayton State University will excel in preparing students from many walks of life to meet the challenges of living and working in a dynamic, global so- ciety.
Dr. Thomas J. Hynes, Jr.
Drawing from the strategic plan, the mission of the University is to cultivate an environ- ment of engaged, experienced-based learning, enriched by active community service, that prepares students of diverse ages and backgrounds to succeed in their lives and careers.
The key elements of the new mission statement are: engaged and experience based learning; active and enriching community service; a rich and complex view of diversity — in- clusive of similarity and differences in ages, backgrounds, as well as race and ethnicity; and a focus on student success — in learning, in careers, in communities and in lives. These el-
ements are drawn from what some have called the DNA of the institution — innovative instruction; student participation in their own learning; community based opportunities to apply lessons learned; a diversity of students framing the complexity of learning needed for a rapidly changing environment.
In keeping with the vision, mission, and goals of the strategic plan, this issue of The Laker Connection opens with a story on the new First-Year Advising & Retention Center, our latest initiative in support of suc- cess among first-year students. However, there are a lot of student success stories among the upper classes as well. For example: a mother, daughter, and son, who are all Clayton State students. The University’s an- nual Chancellor’s Award recipient and Clayton State’s Presidential Scholars are certainly examples of suc- cess as well.
This issue hasn’t neglected those who help contribute to student success: the Center for Academic Suc- cess’ Kathy Garrison; Clayton State’s retiring athletic director of 22 years, Mason Barfield; Professor Mario Norman; and The Loch Shop, the expanded and improved Clayton State bookstore, designed to become more student-centered.
Together, this issue of The Laker Connection helps present the success story that is Clayton State.
Dr. Thomas Hynes President