HIGHLIGHTS

• Hannah Clayborne brings more than 20 years of student affairs experience and a professional background that reflects both breadth and depth across the student experience.
• Most recently, she served as dean of students at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she led Residence Life, Community Standards, and the Office of Student Inclusion, Involvement, and Leadership.

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - Hannah Clayborne will join Winthrop University this spring as the new associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Her official start date will be May 18.

In this role, she will provide leadership for Community Life, including the Dean of Students Office, Residence Life, the Office of Accessibility, and New Student and Family Programs.

Clayborne brings more than 20 years of student affairs experience and a professional background that reflects both breadth and depth across the student experience. Throughout her career, she has served in progressive leadership roles spanning residence life, student conduct, student engagement, fraternity and sorority life, counseling services, recreation services, diversity, equity and inclusion, and safety services. Most recently, she served as dean of students at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she led Residence Life, Community Standards, and the Office of Student Inclusion, Involvement, and Leadership.

She has a strong commitment to student success, a collaborative approach and deep knowledge of student affairs. "We are excited to welcome her to campus and are confident that her strategic leadership and experience will benefit our university as we continue to support student success in an evolving higher education landscape," said Shelia Burkhalter, vice president for student affairs.

Clayborne said she is thrilled to join the Division of Student Affairs at Winthrop. "During the search, I heard staff and faculty describe programs, services and resources that demonstrate Winthrop's strong commitment to supporting students' growth and development," she said. "I am eager to engage with students to learn about their Winthrop experiences, their post-graduation plans, and how the Dean of Students Office can further enhance their educational experience."

A first-generation college graduate, Clayborne is also deeply committed to staff development and professional service. She is an active member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, reviews manuscripts for the association's Journal of Women and Gender, evaluates conference program submissions, and has served as a Higher Learning Commission peer reviewer. She earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from Iowa State University, her M.A. in student affairs in higher education from Wright State University and her B.A. in sociology from Miami University.

As part of her transition into the new role, Clayborne will visit campus April 15-18 and again April 22-24.

For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at [email protected].