Clayton State University President Dr. Thomas Hynes recognized four individuals and two organizations for making a difference. Hayes said the winners of the “Making Things Better” awards empower Clayton State students (and prospective students) through their support.
The organizational winners were the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs and the First Year Advising and Retention Center (FYARC). The individual staff winners were director of orientation and new student programs, Celena Milner, and the assistant director of campus life, Atawanna Royal.
The faculty winners of the second awarding of the Making Things Better Awards (the first awards were presented in February 2014) are also individuals known for their support for the community: associate professor of business law, Dr. Judith Ogden, and assistant professor of mathematics, Dr. Scott Bailey.
In introducing each award winner, Hynes also presented some of the reasons for their awards.
Hynes saluted the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs’ enthusiasm and excitement, and said they were known for “going above and beyond to make sure that incoming freshmen and their parents are well-informed.”
FYARC, which has played a significant role in improving Clayton State’s freshman retention rate since its founding three years ago, was commended for creating conditions to assist all first-year students.
When Milner returned to the front of the room to receive her individual award, Hynes praised her for her confidence and competence saying that “anyone who has interacted with her knows the level of her dedication and her refusal to accept anything less than the best, and to do it in an incredibly gracious way.”
Royal was similarly feted, as Hynes noted her openness, warmth and graciousness that he said is “felt by all with whom she comes in contact.”
In addition to being teachers at Clayton State, both Milner and Royal are also known for their community service beyond the campus’ boundaries.
For many years, Ogden has directed the College of Business’ highly successful Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that provides free income tax preparation services to the community.
“There are generations of people in the State of Georgia who have had their taxes done because of Judith and her students,” said Hynes. “VITA is an important part of our interaction with the community.”
Bailey, in addition to his duties in the College of Information and Mathematical Sciences (CIMS), is known for directing CIMS’ two major community outreach programs: January’s First Lego League Regional Championships and October’s University for Parents and Students.
Hynes said Bailey had “authentic, important interactions with both colleagues and students.”
The “Making Things Better” awards are made possible by the contributions of many donors to the University’s Excellence Fund. After the two awards in 2014, they will be an annual event that will be held in the fall each year.
