Contact: Maridith Geuder
Clayborne Taylor is returning to service as interim dean of continuing education at Mississippi State.
Taylor, who retired last year, is among four personnel appointments at the university's division-level unit for on- and off-campus programs focusing on lifelong learning experiences. He replaces Philip Bonfanti, now director of the international student services office on campus.
In addition to Taylor, Laura Crittenden now is manager of credit studies; Michelle Johnston, manager of noncredit studies; and Tamra Swann, senior program facilitator.
Crittenden, who holds a doctorate in higher education administration from MSU, will coordinate all distance-learning programs. She previously worked as the division's coordinator of community college studies.
"Our unit delivers academic courses to those adult, nontraditional learners who can't attend campus classes because of personal, career or family obligations," Crittenden said. Johnston, who currently is seeking an MSU doctorate in educational leadership, will manage a unit designed to provide professional development for the university and the state's workforce. She previously was the division's visiting continuing education specialist.
"We offer an eclectic mix of courses and workshops to meet the diverse needs of professionals working in schools, businesses, industries, and agencies of the state," Johnston explained. "Our programs and conference coordination services are a resource to the university and to other organizations."
Swann will coordinate conferences, workshops and professional meetings for the university and off-campus groups. She currently is providing logistics for a major regional conference on environmental regulations and policies in partnership with the Department of Environmental Quality.
An MSU communication graduate, Swann earlier served as acting director and retirement development director for the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce.