Guest speakers prepare for Fall Commencement ceremonies

(December 5, 2023) - The rest of Clayton State’s Class of 2023 is set to take all they’ve learned into what awaits next.

But they won’t be going out quietly.

Clayton State’s Fall Commencement Ceremonies will be held at the university’s Athletics Center on Friday, December 8 at 3 p.m. and on Saturday, December 9 at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

As the last of Clayton State’s Class of 2023 prepares to celebrate, they will be joined by a trio of guest speakers who will look to provide them with some words of wisdom upon the completion of their academic journeys.

Dr. Anthony W. Smith serves as the Superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools and leads a school district that is both the sixth largest in the state of Georgia and one of the top 100 largest in America. 

Dr. Smith holds several degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from New Hampshire College, a Master of Science in Business Education from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Doctoral degree in Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership from Georgia Southern University. 

In what will be his final graduating class, Clayton State Dean of Students Jeff Jacobs will also speak to the Class of 2023 before officially retiring in January 2024.  

For nearly 30 years, Jacobs has served the university as its interim vice president of student affairs, associate dean of students, director of housing, director of student life and orientation, and assistant director of student activities.

Throughout his tenure at the University, Jacobs has also served on a number of University System steering and advisory committees all while leading numerous initiatives at Clayton State and managing a number of units within the Division of Student Affairs.

And finally, the Class of 2023 will also hear from Anna Roach, the Executive Director & CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).

Roach is also a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club, the International Women’s Forum Georgia, and the Women’s Transportation Seminar. 

She additionally serves on the Leadership Council of the Board for Drawdown Georgia, the Executive Committee of the Board for Learn4Life, the board of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, and the board of Council for Quality Growth. 

Anyone without a ticket wanting to watch the commencement ceremony can view the ceremony from the Student Activities Center Ballroom.

Please note that no helium balloons are allowed in any of the buildings.