Friday, July 11, 2003

New Deans at CCSU

Three new deans are officially beginning their tenure at Clayton College and State University today. In addition, Clayton State also starts the new fiscal year welcoming a new Associate Provost, Dr. James Mackin.

Dr. Arthur J. Rosser, formerly dean of the College of Applied Sciences and Technology at Central Missouri State University, is the new dean of the Clayton State School of Technology. Dr. Ray Wallace, formerly dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Troy State University in Montgomery, Al., is the new dean of the Clayton State School of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Judith A. Plawecki comes to the Clayton State School of Health Sciences as dean from Spalding University in Louisville, Ky., where she served as associate vice president for Academic Affairs, dean of the Graduate School, dean of the College of Professional Studies and a tenured professor.

Mackin, who will report directly to Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Sharon E. Hoffman in the newly-created position of associate provost, comes to Clayton State from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Tx., where he held the position of Special Assistant to the President for Educational and Academic Development and an academic appointment of Professor of Chemistry.

In addition to the four new academic leaders, Dr. Cathie Aust, formerly head of the Clayton State Department of Mathematics, began her new role as dean of the College of Information and Mathematical Sciences on Mar. 1, 2003. Since coming to the then-Clayton Junior College as an assistant professor of Mathematics in 1975, Aust has been a key part of the growth of the onetime junior college that became Clayton College & State University in 1996. A native of Clayton County (she was named Star Student for Clayton County in 1964) and a current resident of Fayetteville, Aust is a prime example of a Southern Crescent student who stayed local and contributed to the success of innumerable Clayton State students throughout the years.

"This marks an exciting time for Clayton State's academic programs," says Clayton State President Dr. Thomas K. Harden. "These five outstanding individuals will help lead Clayton State well into the 21st Century and will help us continue our tradition of excellence in academics through programs designed to serve the people of the Southern Crescent."