Faculty and Staff Gather for 2026 President’s State of the University Address
(August 7, 2026) - Dean of Students Dr. Mya Richardson-Echols served as mistress of ceremonies for the President’s State of the University, which served as a kick-off for the 2026 Fall Semester at Clayton State University. Clayton State Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jill Drake opened the event by discussing the theme for academic affairs to focus on this year: “From vision to impact, building a better university by continuous improvement.”
Dr. Drake also took the opportunity to welcome all the new staff and faculty who have joined Clayton State. She said, “We are looking forward to seeing your expertise, your talent and your passion help move our institution forward.”
During the lead-up to Dr. Lewis’ State of the University speech, the faculty and staff in attendance heard from the new Student Government Association President Zach-Ke-lus Xatkin, Staff Council President Randall Snell, and Faculty Senate Chair Dr. David Pena.
Dr. Lewis shared with faculty and staff that, “Over the past several weeks, I have reviewed the accomplishments shared by our colleges and divisions, and I have been inspired by the extraordinary work taking place across this institution. Across every division, we are making meaningful progress because we continue investing in what matters most: our people.”
President Lewis said, “Across every division, we are making meaningful progress because we continue investing in what matters most: our people. I will now share a few examples of what you have done!”
Accomplishments from the past year that Dr. Lewis highlighted included:
Under the leadership of our Advancement and External Affairs team, fundraising increased by more than 22 percent. Enrollment Management achieved record Spring and Summer enrollment. Human Resources strengthened our people-centered culture by launching employee recognition and wellness initiatives. Our Athletics program continued to excel in the classroom and in competition, with a 3.13 department GPA. The College of Stem launched new programs in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. The College of Health admitted the largest nursing cohort in its history. The College of Arts & Sciences secured more than $850,000 to enhance forensic science education and research.
President Lewis put forth a challenge in his speech to all faculty and to staff to look at how everyone in the Laker community can play a role in moving the university forward in the year ahead. “To be our best, we must break down silos. Students experience one university — not departments. For example, Loch Central (the one-stop shop) and the transformation of Harry S. Downs reflect our commitment to making the student experience easier, more connected, and more welcoming. But buildings alone cannot create that experience. It is our people who bring it to life.”
“When people ask me what makes Clayton State University so special, I think of one of our remarkable students, Alexandra Tengue, who is just 18 years old. She speaks three languages—French, English, and Ewe. She graduated from Morrow High School after participating in our Dual Enrollment program and is now a Presidential Scholar majoring in Computer Science. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, serves as a student worker on campus, and already has a vision for her future. She told me she wants to start a nonprofit organization that provides technology to people who otherwise wouldn't have access to it.”
President Lewis highlighted in his State of the University address the plans, partnerships, and initiatives to look forward to at Clayton State University in the year moving forward:
Information Technology Services will launch The Tech Hub, with plans to expand student technology access, collaborative learning spaces, and offer seven-day support while continuing to improve the student experience through enhanced service delivery.
Human Resources will invest in our people by launching the Laker Leadership Academy, which will provide professional development opportunities, and create new opportunities for employee engagement and leadership growth.
The College of Health will strengthen healthcare education by pursuing national program accreditation, expanding continuing education for healthcare professionals, enhancing board preparation and career readiness for students, and growing partnerships that improve workforce development and access to care.
The College of STEM will expand industry partnerships, launch a campus-wide hackathon, and open a new Vivarium Research Lab to strengthen innovation, research, internships, and career opportunities for our students.
College of Business will pursue partnerships with TCSG and DeKalb County Fire Rescue to expand pathways into its BAS program. The College will also partner with CELT to redesign online graduate courses to enhance student success and propose four additional graduate concentrations.
Review more details from the President’s State of the University speech.