Clayton State University senior Patrick Coleman has distinguished himself in academics, service to the university, and campus involvement. Coleman has been busy, using his available time to excel in all he does.
“Patrick is a leader among students. He motivates discussion in classes and engages his fellow students, staff, and faculty in service to the university,” says Dr. Randall S. Gooden, assistant Professor of History.
Coleman has served as a Clayton State staff member (part-time) as the evening coordinator at the Clayton State East campus and the former College of Professional Studies. He has also been a work study student for Dr. Mannie Hall and with the Office of Campus Life. He makes himself available to serve part-time as a staff assistant in various offices around campus. He also helps out with campus activities like new student orientation.
“He combines the elements of non-traditional student and Clayton State Staff member,” adds Gooden.
Coleman is president of Clayton State’s Alpha Nu Psi Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. Coleman also is president of the Clayton State University History Society. Membership in Phi Alpha Theta is open to all students who have taken 12 semester hours in history and achieved a 3.1 average in those courses, as well as an overall GPA of 3.0. It also is open to full-time faculty and emeritus faculty in history.
Coleman reports that he was born in Bainbridge, Ga., and is now a “local boy,” living in Jonesboro. His educational interest and love is history and teaching may be in his future. He will graduate in December 2010 and will likely next pursue a master’s degree towards a teaching career. He plans on teaching as an adjunct faculty member at a local college and hopes to return to Clayton State as a professor in the future. He is also considering teaching in disadvantaged areas to help offset his student loans.
“History is all around us” says Coleman. “Clayton State has a history. Have you heard the history of the swans on campus?’ Clayton State’s history is archived in the library.”