Chapter 14 University History and Other Information

Chapter 14

UNIVERSITY HISTORY

AND OTHER INFORMATION

Clayton State University FOUNDATION, INC.

Clayton State University (Clayton State University) opened in 1969 as Clayton Junior College, with Dr. Harry S. Downs as the founding president. The Board of Regents elevated the institution to baccalaureate status in 1986 and established the present name in 1996.

In April 2000, Dr. Stephen R. Portch, Chancellor of the University System of Georgia, announced that the Board of Regents had selected Dr. Thomas K. Harden as the new president for Clayton State University effective in June of that year.

The beginning of the University can be traced to 1965 when the Board of Regents authorized three new junior colleges for the University System, one of which was designated for south metropolitan Atlanta. The Board considered several locations in the region, and chose the present site in Clayton County because of the unique combination of natural beauty and easy access to the then recently completed Interstate 75. The citizens of Clayton County subsidized the initial construction of the state institution by passing a bond issue for nearly five million dollars. Construction of the new campus began in fall 1968, and the doors opened to 942 students less than a year later on September 30, 1969.

In 1981 the University added a technical division offering applied associate degrees and certificates in cooperation with the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Five years later Clayton State began its baccalaureate mission with programs in business administration and nursing. The institution has continued to add majors at the bachelor’s level while maintaining several technical associate degree and certificate programs. Through the establishment of the Bachelor of Applied Science degree, Clayton State University emerged as a national leader in promoting opportunities for graduates from applied associate degree programs to “bridge” to bachelor’s degrees with little, if any, loss of credit. The University also has one of the largest continuing education programs in the state.

Upon the retirement of Harry Downs in January 1994, Dr. Richard A. Skinner became the University’s second president. In June 1999, Skinner left Clayton State to head the University System of Georgia’s new distance learning initiative known as GLOBE. Michael F. Vollmer, Clayton State’s acting Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and former Interim President of Middle Georgia College, served as Interim President for one year until President Harden took office in June 2000.

Clayton State University now enrolls 4,700 students in degree credit programs that, in the words of the University’s mission, provide “career-oriented education with a solid liberal arts foundation.” Current bachelor’s degree majors include Applied Biology (B.S.), Middle Level Education (B.A.), Nursing (B.S.N.), Health Care Management/Administration (B.S. and B.A.S.), Dental Hygiene (B.S.D.H. and B.A.S.), Psychology and Human Services (B.S.), Communication and Media Studies (B.A.), Music (B.A. and B.M.), Technology Management (B.A.S.), Administrative Management (B.A.S.), Integrative Studies (B.A. or B.S.), and four fields of business administration (B.B.A.). The University’s largest major is Information Technology (B.I.T.), which is built on a “career ladder” concept that prepares students for professional opportunities at two steps prior to the bachelor’s degree. Other baccalaureate programs are under development.

Clayton State’s mission commits it to “placing a major emphasis on technologically advanced access to information and to ensuring that all students acquire a working familiarity with the uses, limitations, and ethical implications of modern information technology.” To that end, in January 1998 Clayton State University became the first institution in the Southeast and one of the first in the nation to start issuing notebook computers to all students at all levels in all majors. This “Information Technology Project” (ITP) has transformed the campus and made Clayton State a national pioneer in “ubiquitous computing.” In Fall 2001, the University entered a new phase called “ITP-Choice,” which maintains the requirement for ubiquitous mobile computing but gives students the opportunity to purchase notebook computers rather than having the institution supply them.

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THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA

Thirty-four public colleges and universities of the University System of Georgia offer almost unlimited opportunities for citizens of the state to attend college. Programs of study and degrees are offered in almost every field available anywhere in the world. Students can choose programs to fit their talents and interests, ranging from one-year certificate programs to doctoral programs.

Fifteen two-year colleges offer the first two years of studies leading to bachelor degrees and

professional degrees, as well as one- and two-year career programs designed to prepare

students for immediate employment. Career programs are available in fields such as accounting,

computer science, agricultural equipment technology, electronics, drafting, dental hygiene,

nursing, secretarial studies, and over fifty other fields.

The 13 state colleges and universities offer bachelor degrees and, in many cases, some graduate

degrees. Degree programs include hundreds of fields of interest including business

administration, teacher education, mathematics, sciences, history and other social sciences,

engineering, art, and music.

Some of these institutions also offer many of the two-year career programs offered by junior colleges.

The six regional and research universities offer graduate programs leading to master’s and

doctor’s degrees, four-year programs leading to bachelor degrees, and some two-year

programs. Offerings include programs ranging from aerospace and nuclear engineering at the

Georgia Institute of Technology; economics and health administration at Georgia State

University; medicine and dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia; to forestry, law, pharmacy,

and veterinary medicine at the University of Georgia. Students may begin their freshman year of

studies leading to these graduate and professional degrees at any of the 34 colleges and

universities of the University System of Georgia.

One or more of these public colleges and universities is located in every section of the state, from

Brunswick in the Southeast and Bainbridge in the Southwest, to Dalton and Rome in the

Northwest and Dahlonega and Gainesville in the Northeast. In fact, most Georgians live within

commuting distance of one or more colleges.

All colleges and universities are accredited and offer quality courses. Freshman and sophomore

credits toward bachelor degrees which are earned with satisfactory grades at any of these

colleges are accepted by all other University System institutions. Fees charged residents of

Georgia for attending college, exclusive of living expenses, are low by most standards.

In addition to college courses and programs, non-credit offerings are made available in almost

every area of human interest. Many courses and programs are designed to improve job skills,

while others provide opportunities for self-improvement in areas unrelated to work. The four

universities also conduct extensive programs of research directed primarily toward improving the

economic and human welfare of the people of Georgia.

The thirty-four institutions of the University System of Georgia stand ready to encourage and

assist citizens interested in college studies.

A 16-member constitutional Board of Regents governs the University System, which has been in operation since 1932. Appointments of Board members are made by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the State Senate. Regular terms of Board members are seven years.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS

Current Term

Hugh A. Carter, Jr. Atlanta State-at-Large 2000-2002

Connie Cater Macon Eighth District 1999-2006

William H. Cleveland Atlanta State-at-Large 2001-2009

Michael J. Coles Kennesaw Sixth 2001-2008

Joe Frank Harris Cartersville Seventh 1999-2006

Hilton H. Howell, Jr. Atlanta State-at-Large 1998-2004

John Hunt Tifton Second District 1997-2004

Donald M. Leebern, Jr. Atlanta State-at-Large 1998-2005

Allene H. Magill Dalton Ninth 2001-2008

Elridge W. McMillan Atlanta Fifth District 1996-2003

Martin W. NeSmith Claxton First District 1999-2006

Wanda Yancey Rodwell Atlanta Fourth District 2002-2005

J. Timothy Shelnut Augusta Tenth 2000-2007

Glenn S. White Lawrenceville Eleventh District 1998-2005

Joel O. Wooten, Jr. Columbus State-at-Large 1999-2006

James D. Yancey Columbus Third District 2000-2007

Albany State University

504 College Drive

Albany, Georgia 31705

(912) 430-4604—GIST 341-4604

Armstrong Atlantic State University

11934 Abercorn Street Ext.

Savannah, Georgia 31419

(912) 927-5258—GIST 369-5258

Augusta State University

2500 Walton Way

Augusta, Georgia 30910

(706) 737-1440—GIST 337-1440

Clayton State University

5900 N. Lee Street

Morrow, Georgia 30260

(770) 961-3531—GIST 220-3531

Columbus State University

4225 University Avenue

Columbus, Georgia 31907

(706) 568-2211—GIST 251-2211

Fort Valley State University

1005 State College Drive

Fort Valley, Georgia 31030

(912) 825-6315—GIST 327-6315

Georgia College & State University

231 West Hancock

Milledgeville, Georgia 31061

(912) 453-5269—GIST 324-5269

Georgia Southwestern State University

Wheatly Street

Americus, Georgia 31709

(912) 928-1360—GIST 345-1360

Kennesaw State University

3450 Frey Lake Road, N.E.

Marietta, Georgia 30061

(770) 423-6033—GIST 228-6033

North Georgia College & State University

Dahlonega, Georgia 30597

(706) 864-1993—GIST 244-1993

Savannah State University

Savannah, Georgia 31404

(912) 356-2240—GIST 362-2240

Southern Polytechnic State University

1100 S. Marietta Parkway

Marietta, Georgia 30060

(770) 528-7230—GIST 224-7230

State University of West Georgia

Carrollton, Georgia 30118

(706) 836-6442—GIST 232-6442

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

2802 Moore Highway

Tifton, Georgia 31794

(912) 386-3242—GIST 342-3242

Atlanta Metropolitan College

1630 Stewart Avenue, S.W.

Atlanta, Georgia 30310

(404) 756-4441--GIST 279-4441

Bainbridge College

U.S. Highway 84E

Bainbridge, Georgia 31717

(912) 248-2510—GIST 346-2510

Brunswick College

Altama at Fourth

Brunswick, Georgia 31523

(912) 264-7201—GIST 365-7201

Darton College

2400 Gillionville Road

Albany, Georgia 31707

(912) 430-6705—GIST 341-6705

Georgia Perimeter College

3251 Panthersville Road

Decatur, Georgia 30024

(404) 244-2364—GIST 275-2364

East Georgia College

131 College Circle

Swainsboro, Georgia 30401

(912) 237-7831—GIST 333-4200

Floyd College

U.S. 27S

Rome, Georgia 30162

(706) 295-6328—GIST 231-6328

Gainesville College

Mundy Mill Road

Gainesville, Georgia 30403

(706) 535-6210—GIST 246-6210

Gordon College

419 College Drive

Barnesville, Georgia 30204

(770) 358-5015—GIST 258-5015

Middle Georgia College

Sarah Street

Cochran, Georgia 31014

(912) 934-3011—GIST 325-3011

South Georgia College

Douglas, Georgia 31533

(912) 383-4202--GIST 347-4202

Waycross College

2001 Francis Street

Waycross, Georgia 31501

(912) 285-6134—GIST 368-6134

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UNIVERSITY FACILITIES

USE OF UNIVERSITY FACILITIES

Facilities and equipment of Clayton College & University are provided for the purpose of supporting educational programs and services approved for the University by the Board of Regents.

The Office of Continuing Education and Community Outreach is responsible for sanctioning the use of University facilities by groups external to the University. The primary considerations in determining use of University facilities by outside groups are whether the proposed activity is in keeping with the mission of the University and whether the University has the resources to co-sponsor the activity as one of its own educational programs. Groups external to the University will be assessed a fee based on the particular facility and services delivered.

Activities of other educational agencies, state and local governments, and non-profit organizations which are in conformity with the purposes of the University are usually approved and co-sponsored by the University.

The Continuing Education Center, SmartBodies Fitness & Wellness Center, and Spivey Hall are special-use training and performance facilities and have specific policies and procedures developed stating priorities of use.

Requests to use facilities by chartered student organizations shall be approved in accordance with guidelines set in the Clayton State University handbook Student Organization Rights and Responsibilities, Section IIIB.

The physical education facilities are primarily for the use of University students, faculty, and staff. Policies governing the use of these facilities are designed to permit maximum utilization by students, faculty, staff, and their guests; to insure the safety and well-being of the participants; and to provide for the protection, care, and maintenance of the facilities.

Athletic events which involve the participation of students of Clayton State University, both intramural and intercollegiate competition with or without a public audience, are not administered under this policy statement.

Procedural documents and facilities agreements have been developed to establish the terms of use of University facilities and equipment and must be executed when appropriate.

CAMPUS FACILITIES

The ADMINISTRATION BUILDING (ADM) houses the President; the Vice President for Academic Affairs; the Vice President for Operations, Planning, and Budgeting. The Bursar's Office (Student Accounts) is also in this building.

The LECTURE HALL (LEC) is a round building containing large lecture rooms. Renovation into a multimedia learning center was completed in May 2001.

The BUSINESS AND HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING (BHS) contains general classroom and special purpose rooms and laboratories for science and nursing and offices for the School of Business and the School of Health Sciences.

The HARRY S. DOWNS CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION (CEC) contains offices for Continuing Education and rooms for conferences and short courses.

The STUDENT CENTER (STC) houses the Office of the Vice President for Campus Life, the Offices of Counseling and Career Services, Financial Aid, Department of Public Safety, the Dental Hygiene Clinic and Laboratory, Clayton State University Campus Store, LINX Card Center, Dining Services, Student Lounge, game room, Student Government Association, and student publications offices.

The ATHLETICS AND FITNESS CENTER (A&F) contains instructional and activity areas for physical education and athletics, shower and locker rooms for men and women, and faculty offices. Included are a multi-use gymnasium, classroom space, the SmartBodies Fitness & Wellness Center, a student weight room, and a lobby and exhibit area. The gymnasium houses a regulation full-length basketball court–home of the Lakers.

The MAINTENANCE BUILDING (MNT) contains the offices of the Director of Plant Operations and a storage area for the University’s inventory of operating supplies.

The ARTS AND SCIENCES (A&S) building includes generalized classrooms, specialized areas for art, offices for faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences, and the University’s 230-seat Lecture Hall.

The LIBRARY (LIB) houses a variety of instructional services and resources. The two-story structure includes areas for library and media services. Instructional areas for the Department of Learning Support and the Center for Learning Enhancement are provided. The Office Information Technology and Services also is located in the Library.

SPIVEY HALL (SPV), dedicated in 1991, has earned a reputation as one of the finest recital halls in the Southeast. The stage of the 400-seat hall accommodates a 100-voice choir, and the orchestra pit seats a 50-piece orchestra. Included in the magnificent structure is a grand staircase leading into a dramatic main lobby, a reception area, and dressing rooms for performing musicians. A 79-rank organ, dedicated to Albert Schweitzer, was installed in early 1992.

The TECHNOLOGY BUILDING (TEC) includes laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices for programs offered through the School of Technology and the New College for Economic & Community Development, and classrooms and office spaces for the Department of Teacher Education.

The Aviation Maintenance Building (AVM) is located on Tara Boulevard in Jonesboro.

The MUSIC BUILDING (MUS) features classrooms, offices, and practice facilities arranged around a two-story atrium. The Music Building is located adjacent to Spivey Hall to facilitate use of the Hall by music students.

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