By Michele Haddon
Bucks’ new Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Clayton Railey, III was recently appointed, and has resolved to improve academic affairs within the college.
Railey officially started his new role on June 16 after being selected for the position following an extensive nationwide search. He is currently working on settling into his position.
“Dr. Railey was the ideal candidate because of his deep knowledge of community colleges and his strong belief in our mission,” said Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt, president of Bucks.
Railey formerly served as Dean of Communications, Arts and Humanities at Delaware County Community College. He holds a B.A. from Dickinson College in English and Economics, an M.A. from St. Louis University in American Studies, along with a M. Div. and S.T.M. from the Jesuit School of Theology, and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt in English.
“I am excited about the strengths that Clay brings to us and look forward to his leadership,” said Shanblatt.
Railey said he was attracted to Bucks because of their strong academics, especially the Arts program and STEM program.
When asked about the transition Railey said, “It was like drinking water from a fire hose.”
Despite getting off to a late start, Railey utilized the remaining summer to learn more about the school by going on frequent walking tours and getting to know the staff.
Catherine McElroy, Dean of Academic and Curricular Services and Interim Provost, has been an indispensable guide for Railey.
“She’s been fabulous. She’s been my ‘Beatrice’,” said Railey, making reference to Beatrice from Dante’s “Divine Comedy.”
Railey faces existing challenges coming into his new role, including a 7 percent decrease in student enrollment since last fall.
Railey believes that one of the ways he and his staff are working to address this issue is through their current efforts to improve the Academic Advising Program.
“Starting in the spring, the new advising program will be more proactive and broader in scope,” said Railey.
Advisors will be further-trained to guide students academically with issues like picking a major, deciding whether to enroll part-time or full-time, and developing a broader academic plan overall.
One of the major changes will require all students including part-time ones to receive advising in order to register, according to Railey.
There is also the “Student Planning Module”, a new online advising tool being developed by the IT Department. According to project manager Richard Hartwell, Director of Enterprise and Web Systems, the application is set to launch this academic year.
Another priority for Railey is to work closely with the BCCC Foundation to maintain the quality and the affordability of education at Bucks. Railey plans to focus on finding more grant money, not only to keep tuition costs down, but to further improve upon what Bucks has to offer students.
According to Railey, the 50th anniversary of the college is a great opportunity to “think big and think new.”
“The greatest way to honor the anniversary is to continue in excellence,” said Railey. “As we reflect on the last 50 years, let’s reimagine what Bucks could be like in the next 50.”