Laker Spotlight
Clayton State is fortunate to have many people who make the University unique. We would like to introduce you to some of the many special individuals who strive everyday to make Clayton State the best it can be.
Dr. Jennell Charles
Dr. Charles has been a faculty member at Clayton State University since August 2006 and is now in her fourth academic year. An Associate Professor of Nursing, she has the privilege of teaching both undergraduate and graduate nursing students. With the undergraduate program, students study leadership and management principles that guide nursing care delivery with communities and populations. Community-based outreach projects target underserved populations. With the Master of Science in Nursing degree program, the focus for students has been exploring nursing theories, health care policy, ethics for advanced practice nurses, and most recently, leadership in nursing and health care. She explains, “It is a job that offers the opportunity to be creative, talk about significant issues, and make a positive impact on health care delivery by educating smart and compassionate nurses.”
When asked what she likes best about Clayton State, Dr. Charles replies, “I like the diversity of its students--diverse ages, backgrounds, countries of origins, and life experiences. It makes the teaching-learning environment a rich and challenging one for both students and faculty.” When she is not in the classroom with nursing students, she loves working in the yard, traveling, singing in the church choir, playing bridge, going to the theater, “eating out,” and sitting on the beach. She says, “But, laughing with good friends is really what I like to do in my spare time.” As we have been told… and now confirmed by a nurse: laughter is the best medicine!
Sandra Starr
Sandra started working at Clayton State in 1999 and marked her ten-year anniversary in March. She has always worked in the Bursar’s Office. Her job has included just about everything from handling returned checks, taking payments on fee payment deadline, and writing cash receipts for the departments. Currently, her main duties include “collections.” She says, “Unfortunately, I have the task of asking our student population for money. Even though it can be difficult at times, it is also very rewarding. I truly enjoy what I do. I like the fact that I am helping the students with their finances and, in most cases, their credit. I usually sit down with the students face to face when there’s a problem, and we always seem to work it out both for them as well as the institution.” She mentions that over the years she has received thank you cards and emails from students she has helped and says it makes her feel good about what she has done to help them.”
With a decade of service, Sandra cites her colleagues as the best part of working at Clayton State University: “Definitely, the people -- not only the ones in my immediate office (which are terrific) -- but it’s also the other people I work with across the campus. It’s like we’re family you can always count on them to help you whenever you need something.” Her spare time (“if there is any”) is spent with her family. She has two children that both play sports. Her daughter plays high school softball, and her son plays recreational baseball.
When she and her husband are not watching them play sports, they love to travel with the children (especially cruises). She also likes to relax at home and watch TV, enjoys going to flea markets, arts & craft shows, estate sales, and malls she has never been to before. (There is always time for shopping.) The Bursar’s Office recently renovated their front service area to enhance privacy and communication. Stop by and see their new look!