Q&A with Georgene Clark Georgene Clark is an assistant professor of English, coordinator of composition, and coordinator of diversity activities at Delta State.
What year did you come to DSU? I came to DSU in the fall of 1976 and stayed for four years. I took a two-year leave and returned in the fall of 1982. When I came to Delta State I only intended to stay about two years— never dreaming that I’d fall in love with DSU and remain for over 30 years. I began as an Instructor in English. I am now an Assistant Professor of English and Coordinator of Diversity Activities. How would you encourage students to come to DSU? I would encourage students to attend by simply telling them that DSU offers the best opportunity there is for a quality education. It is small enough for students to get individual attention from their professors; it’s affordable; and it’s accessible. DSU has a dedicated faculty and staff that will see the student through his/her entire tenure at the university—good or bad. There will
always be someone on hand to assist, guide, encourage—whatever is needed at the time. Why are scholarships so important? Scholarships are important because they provide the opportunity for an education that might not otherwise exist. In addition, scholarships provide a recruitment tool for attracting and retaining talented students, which in turnwill help to strengthen individual programs and ultimately, the university as a whole. What is your favorite memory as a professor? This is a very difficult question. I have so many favorite memories as a professor—many of which are related to the friendships and associations formed as a result of being here as a professor. However, if I had to narrow it down to
my favorite memories it would have to be seeing students succeed in their chosen career fields. One case in point is a student named Dayle Houston from Indianola. Dayle was a phenomenal student and the first graduate of what was then our Honors College. I had the opportunity to attend her defense of her dissertation a few years later at Chapel Hill and she did an exceptional job. The pride I felt is indescribable. It’s moments like those that are so memorable and so rewarding.
SCHOLARSHIP DONOR RECEIVES HEART-FELT THANKS
Kenneth Thomas and Dr. Roger Blake
Dr. Roger Blake (right) of Blake Surgical Association in Cleveland received a visit from Kenneth Thomas, 2013-14 recipient of the Blake Surgical Endowed Nursing Scholarship. Kenneth is a senior nursing major from Tchula and will graduate in May 2014. Mr. Thomas personally thanked Dr. Blake and his wife, Vicki, for providing the Blake Surgical Endowed Nursing Scholarship. With a smile on his face and deep appreciation in his voice, Kenneth said, “The scholarship means so much to me as it definitely alleviates the stress concerning finances, and it allows me to continue my studies to make a difference in the nursing profession.” Dr. Vicki Bingham, Chair of the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, stated, “We are extremely grateful to Dr. Roger and Vicki Blake in their providing scholarships for recipients. I encourage anyone who is thinking about how they can help students to contact the Delta State Foundation.” For more information on scholarships and how you can help, contact the Delta State University Foundation at 662.846.4704 or email foundation@deltastate.edu. Summer 2013 • Delta State Magazine • 17