Fall 2001

Volume 4 Number 1
A publication of Macon State College

Speaking from Experience

Lynn McCraney, Macon State graduate and now dean of students, knows firsthand how life outside the classroom enriches the college experience.

By Renee Pearman

Photo by Maryann Bates

A P-C-P student. That's how Lynn Weaver McCraney described herself when she was a freshman at Macon State College 20 years ago. A Parking lot-to-Classroom-to-Parking lot student.

"That's what I was all about," said McCraney, the new dean of students at Macon State. "I was focused on going to the classroom, then heading straight back to my car and going home or going to work. I didn't get to know any of my classmates or my professors and getting involved in student organizations never crossed my mind.

"I just wanted to get my degree and move on."

But McCraney soon learned that there is a lot more to college life than just showing up for class.

Student Life

Today, her mantra is "Student Life, Student Life, Student Life." She knows firsthand what a difference it makes for students to enhance their academic studies with learning outside the classroom.

"When I first came to this college, I was a full-time student with a part-time job," McCraney said. "I left college to work full time but came back a few years later when I realized that my life would not be everything I wanted it to be without a college degree."

She returned to Macon State in 1987, with new priorities and a new attitude. "I decided that if I'm going to college, then I'm going to take advantage of all the opportunities available to me as a student at this institution. I got involved, and it made all the difference in the world."

McCraney shares this message with all students-freshmen and transfers, traditional-age and mature adults-at every MSC orientation. She tells them that Student Life at Macon State today encompasses a great deal, from having a voice in student government and writing for the student newspaper or literary magazine to studying abroad, attending job fairs and participating in community service projects.
And don't forget the chance to participate in and attend theatrical productions, concerts, arts festivals, intramural sports and lectures by such distinguished guests as writers Tina McElroy Ansa and Nikki Giovanni, syndicated columnist Walter Williams, playwright Steven Dietz and the Georgia Sea Island Singers.

Lynn McCraney receives her associate of arts degree in English. She graduated from Macon State College in 1987.

Student Life programs, publications, organizations, service learning projects and special events are funded by the $44 per term activity fee paid by students enrolled for four or more semester hours.

Building Networks

McCraney also reminds students that involvement in campus life means connecting with their classmates and faculty. Relationships they form now may continue long past their college years.

"One of our main objectives in Student Life is to provide our students with opportunities to build networks of support that will sustain them through a challenging but rewarding academic experience," she said.

As a matter of fact, the networks she established while a student at MSC still exist today, including one with her former academic advisor, Dr. Joe Popson, professor of English.

"From the moment I met Dr. Popson, I realized how invested he was in my success as a student at this college," McCraney said. "He was focused on making sure that I registered for all the courses I needed to graduate, and he was always steering me in the right direction for my career goals. He is representative of our Macon State faculty who are committed to helping students succeed."

And there's Bob Durand, associate professor of history, who, McCraney said, taught her that learning can take place outside of class.

"He would-and still does-bring historical presentations to the campus and not just for his students but for all students. He also arranges field trips to historic sites, and he remains one of our biggest advocates for student involvement in organizations and events on campus."

Enriching the College Experience

Dr. Martha Wilson, professor of English, coordinator of the college's Honors Program and faculty advisor to MSC's chapter of the international student honor society Phi Theta Kappa, also stresses learning outside the classroom. Phi Theta Kappa sponsors campus events open to all students, and its members participate in community service projects.

"Lynn is clearly committed to supporting the types of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that enrich the college experience for every student," Wilson said. "The many programs and services sponsored and coordinated through the Student Life Program not only elevate the cultural and intellectual climate on our campus but also facilitate important connections between the college and the community."

And those connections, McCraney said, meet another Student Life objective: getting students to think ahead by providing them with additional avenues to make themselves more marketable once they graduate.

Lynn McCraney, center, serves sushi during the International Food Festival at the college with Dr. Gwen Sell, right. Photo by Renee Pearman

"I remind our students that becoming involved in Student Life, whether being part of a student organization or helping coordinate a campus event or project, is something they can add to their resumes," she said. "These types of activities show potential employers that as college students they were active and concerned enough about their academic and cultural environments to do more than what was minimally expected."

From Student to Dean

Again, McCraney speaks from experience. When she returned to Macon State College in 1987, she decided to explore what the college had to offer. She began by staying on campus after class and studying in the cafeteria. It was there she met other students and formed study groups.

She learned about the Student Government Association and decided to run for office, and her election as senator put her in contact with more students, faculty and administrators. Soon she found herself serving as a student representative on the college's Academic Council, writing for the student newspaper, participating in a peer tutoring service and working as a student assistant in the office of the Macon State College president.

A 1981 honor graduate of Crawford County High School, McCraney completed her studies at Macon State in 1987, earning an associate of arts degree in English. Within the next four years, she received a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration, both from Georgia College & State University. Several months after graduating from Georgia College, she found herself back at Macon State.

"I was looking for a position in the public sector when I learned that Macon State was hiring a director for its Office of Student Activities," McCraney said.

"I remember thinking what an ideal job that would be for me because I knew what a difference involvement in student life at this college made in my success as a student. That was a lesson I wanted to share."

She's been sharing that lesson for a decade now. This past September, Macon State College President David A. Bell appointed her dean of students, with the directive to serve as a student advocate.

"She brings to the position many years of dedicated service to student life at our institution," Wilson said of McCraney's promotion.

In her new role, McCraney supervises the co-curricular Student Affairs Program, which is designed to complement the academic program of the college and provide leadership training for students. Additionally, she is responsible for student social and cultural events, student organizations and publications, student government and student discipline. She also administers the Student Life budget.

"As a member of the faculty and an advisor to a student organization, I've worked closely with Lynn for a number of years, and I've always found her to be extremely helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable," said Charlene Goodwin, interim chair of the Division of Health Sciences and faculty advisor to the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association.

Durand, who works closely with the Student Life staff on such events as Family Night at MSC, National History Day in Georgia and the Phi Theta Kappa film series, said McCraney is the right person for the job of dean of students.

"She is graced with energy, talent, wisdom, business efficiency, people skills and the compassion necessary for this demanding job," he said. "I've seem them come and go in leadership, but she is the best. Our students are blessed with so passionate
an advocate."

Dr. Gwen Sell, professor of English and director of International Education at the college, calls McCraney the most energetic, positive person on campus. "She doesn't know the word 'can't,'" Sell said. "She makes the impossible happen."

Student Life Evolves

McCraney has been part of student life at MSC as both student and administrator, and she has witnessed- and promoted- its evolution.

"There are even more opportunities available to our students," she said. "Since I arrived here as a student in 1981, I've seen Student Life at Macon State expand, especially under the leadership of Dr. Bell these past few years.

"We now have a Health, Wellness and Recreation Program that includes a Health Clinic supervised by a nurse practitioner, a Wellness Center where our students can get personal training and take part in aerobics and yoga, intramural athletics and outdoor recreational activities such as rock climbing."

Lynn McCraney, left, greets new student Jennifer Johnson, far right, and her mother, Barbara Johnson, during orientation. Photo by Renee Pearman

Macon State also joined with Wesleyan College and Mercer University to create the CollegeTown Universal Ticket, which permits current students at any of these institutions to attend, at no cost, six Central Georgia venues, including plays, concerts, museum exhibits, lectures and films.

Also, more financial resources are going toward service learning projects outside the classroom. "One such project involves respiratory therapy majors developing age-appropriate asthma education lessons for children, then taking those lessons into the public schools," McCraney said.

Then there's the $8.75 million, two-story Student Life Center which opened in fall 2000, bringing all student services-related offices to one location.

"The Student Life Center has been a renaissance for this college," McCraney said. "If our academic buildings are the brains of the college, then our Student Life Center is the heart. Our students can do everything from getting advised, registering for classes and buying their textbooks to grabbing a snack, attending a student meeting and just taking a break."

Another Opportunity

Nearly two decades after first setting foot on this campus, McCraney said Macon State College is still giving her opportunities. "I have a position at this college that allows me to work with people who are attempting to better their lives," she said, "and I consider this yet another wonderful opportunity Macon State has afforded me."

Student Government Association president Crystal Jones, who is a senior majoring in public service, said McCraney's
concern for MSC students comes from the heart.

"I admire her tactfulness, endless energy and vast organizational and social skills," Jones said. "She is the perfect role model for any person who wishes to work in a field that deals with the public on any level."

Popson noted that McCraney, his former pupil, has never been one to walk away from opportunity-or challenges.

"I think she knew from her student days that problem solving, with the emphasis on solving, was going to be one of her strengths," said the English professor, who has been teaching here for 28 years. "Lynn is creative and responsive, and we are lucky to have her. I am sure that in her new role as dean of students she will make this school even better than it is.

"Part of my joy is seeing a someone from my early years here continuing to make a lasting impression."