Clarendon College welcomed one new and one returning employee this week.
Dr. Jay Caldwell and Jewell Austin.
Dr. Jay Caldwell is the college’s new Dean of Students, and Jewell Austin has resumed her familiar position as CC’s librarian.
“It’s exciting to be back,” said Austin who had been the college’s librarian for two years before going to Frank Phillips College in Borger two years ago.
“I’d like to thank the community for their warm welcome.
“The president [Dr. Myles Shelton] has a clear vision for the college and for the library in particular,” she said, “and I wanted to be part of it.”
Austin grew up and graduated from high school in Memphis before getting a degree from Clarendon College. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s in Library Science from Texas Women’s University.
She is living in Clarendon now and has some plans for the library.
“We’re going to continue to incorporate technology in the library and do more library instruction to teach students how to use the library.”
Austin said the library will continue to have special programming for students and members of the community.
The CC Library is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday – Thursday; from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday; and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday. Community members are welcome at the library and can call 806-874-3571 for more information.
Jay Caldwell brings 26-years of higher education experience to Clarendon College. He retired in January 1997 as the Vice President for Student Services at Rogers State University in Clairmore, Oklahoma. He also previously served in that same position at Panhandle State University.
Most recently he was a clinical director for Wilmont, Inc., which provides mental health services for nursing home residents.
“I’m looking forward to working with the students and faculty,” Caldwell said of his move to Clarendon College.
Caldwell’s wife, Willa Dean, is a faculty member at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and the couple has raised three sons. He says he feels like he has “come home” with his new job.
“Education is where my heart is, and I believe especially in the community college. It gives young people a chance to see if college is for them, and it gives other people a second chance to have the life they want,” he said.
Caldwell grew up and graduated from high school in Tulsa, and he received a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Tulsa.
He earned a theology degree from Duke University and received master’s and doctorate degrees from Oklahoma State University. He is also a licensed professional counselor.
CC President Myles Shelton said he was very pleased with the hiring of Austin and Caldwell.
“I think we have some outstanding people working for us,” he said. “Jewell is a proven individual and will be an invaluable asset as we move forward with plans for a new library.
“Dr. Caldwell comes to us having been both a Dean of Students and a Vice President of Student Affairs and has wealth of experience to help our students both in and out of the classroom.
“I’m proud to have both of them working for us.”
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