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Clayton State dean wants to focus on campus input to shape student affairs

UH held an open forum for students, faculty and staff to question vice chancellor/vice president for student affairs candidate Dr. Brian Haynes in the University Center Bayou City Room.

Haynes, who is the current vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Clayton State University, addressed the concerns of the room by tackling a variety of subjects, ranging from the educational budget cuts to reform on the administrative level.

“I think it’s always important in any new endeavor to listen, absorb and learn as much as possible,” Haynes said. “I appreciated the interaction during open forum.”

Haynes, who obtained a doctorate in college student personnel at Ohio University, said it was an honor to be one of the hopefuls, but he also feels that his prior experience and skill set separates him from the other candidates.

“I’m very excited about possibility of working at UH. I think that it affords a great opportunity for whomever is selected,” Haynes said.

When asked about the current issue of education budget cuts during the forum, Haynes said that a focus on efficiency helped Clayton University continue to gain additional resources in spite of cuts across the board.

He feels this approach will best address the issue that remains on the minds of many Texas students.

“We are at a unique point in history as it relates to higher learning,” Haynes said.

“There is a call for greater accountability and greater efficiency. We have to find a way to respond to both. We will meet the challenges.”

Another issue addressed by Haynes was the question of how to further engage commuter students in on-campus activities.

Haynes said that he, as well as the staff at Clayton, are constantly pursuing new ways to engage students via Twitter and Facebook, as well as implementing and improving commuter-focused programs at the school which, like UH, has a majority of its students commuting to campus.

“We formed a focus group of the population and asked them what they like to see,” Haynes said. “We are mindful that one size does not fit all, and students have individual needs.”

Haynes believes that one of his biggest accomplishments at Clayton was helping to establish a diverse faculty and culture, which was ranked by U.S. News and World Reports as having the most diverse student population among colleges in the Southeast.

Haynes is also responsible for diversity programming and is the team leader of the University Diversity Team.

“I have a personal interest in social justice and respect for others,” Haynes said.

While Haynes had to leave after the forum for another appointment, he did tour the campus earlier in the day.

He said he enjoyed his time on campus and expressed his excitement at the possibility of being on the UH staff.

“I see a lot of growth here,” Haynes said. “This is a beautiful campus and an excellent environment.”

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