Clayton State news release: Dr. Thomas Harden Named Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Green Bay
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the news release issued by Clayton State University.)
Morrow, Ga., Dec. 23, 2008 — Clayton State University President Dr. Thomas K. Harden has accepted the position of Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, starting no later than June 1, 2009.
“Clayton State University is a special place with special people. During my nine years as president, I have been fortunate to work with some of the best people in the University System of Georgia,” he says. “In fact, the privilege of working with the people of Clayton State has been one of my greatest blessings.”
Harden’s accomplishments at Clayton State University have been highlighted by growth of academic programs and student enrollment, refinement of core processes, and advancement in development of the Clayton State University Foundation. This era is also marked by continuing advances in the University’s award-winning Information Technology Project, the construction of the James M. Baker University Center, the University’s first student housing, a student activities center, and a new building for the School of Business. Additional highlights of Harden’s term are the establishment of the first joint state and federal archives facilities adjacent to campus, and the implementation of a comprehensive strategic planning and budgeting process.
In the past nine years, Clayton State has grown from 4300 students to more than 6000 students, growing into an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university and more than doubling its undergraduate programs and beginning its mission as a graduate degree-granting university. The University has also earned an outstanding commendation from SACS as part of its successful decennial accreditation reaffirmation.
“We have all worked together to make all of these milestones a reality at Clayton State,” says Harden. “While it is difficult for me to announce my leave-taking from the fine people who are Clayton State, from this fine university, an institution that I will always consider `my university,’ I believe the time is right for me to make such a move, because we have reached so many of our goals. I am gratified for all of the growth and enhancements that have been accomplished at Clayton State since 2000, and wish all of you only the best in what I know will be a remarkable future.”
Prior to becoming president of Clayton State University on June 1, 2000, Harden recorded an academic career focused on teaching and administration. His research interests included curriculum research and technology planning. He served as the dean of Eastern Michigan University’s College of Technology from 1993-2000 and as dean of the College of Business from 1999 to 2000. He was instrumental in program development, active in economic development activities, and was a trustee on the Eastern Michigan University Foundation Board.
He held simultaneous appointments at Northern Kentucky University, as acting dean of University College, from 1989-1990; and as associate dean of the College of Professional Studies, from 1988-89. Harden served as a professor and chairperson of the Department of Technology at Northern Kentucky University, a post he held from 1985-1993.
His current activities include service on the American Association of State Colleges (AASCU) Professional Development Committee, the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education Board of Directors, the NCAA Division II President’s Council, the Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Walter and Emilie Spivey Foundation Board of Trustees, and the National Museum of Commercial Aviation Board of Trustees.
Harden earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education from Miami University of Ohio, and a Master of Science degree in educational administration from the University of Dayton. He earned his Doctor of Education from the University of Cincinnati. He also earned a Certificate in College Management from Carnegie-Mellon University.
Harden is married to Cathy Harden who is also a graduate of Miami University (B.S.) and the University of Cincinnati (M.Ed.). They have four adult children and three grandchildren.
For further information, go to the University of Wisconsin System website, or the University System of Georgia website.
A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
