Gaither celebrated for distinguished service

The college’s Alumni Association recognized Dr. Sonya Gaither ’93 as the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Service Alumni Award during commencement on May 10.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a minor in mathematics from LaGrange College, a master’s degree in library service from Clark-Atlanta University and a doctorate in educational administration from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.

Dr. Gaither is dean of libraries at Clayton State University and Gordon State College. Prior to her current role, she was employed as director of library services at Gordon State College and library assessment officer at Georgia Southern University.

Honors she has received during her 30-year higher education career include the Education 2.0 Outstanding Leadership and HeAL Conferences’ Excellence in Leadership awards in 2024 and the Education 2.0 Excellence in Education award in 2025.

Active in her community, Dr. Gaither is involved with the Rotary Club, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Tabernacle of Praise Church International’s College and Young Adult Ministry Leadership Team.

At LaGrange College, she recently completed a term of service on the Board of Trustees. She also spent two terms on the Alumni Executive Committee, previously holding the roles of president, vice president and secretary.