James MagazineJames_July-August_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 52
throughout his career. He traces
much of his leadership foundation
to his early work in admissions,
where he viewed recruitment not
as salesmanship but as an opportunity to help students understand
how education could fundamentally change their lives.
Later, several pivotal moments—
including a professional transition,
the departure of a supervisor, and
the loss of a parent— pushed him
toward deeper reflection about
purpose and long-term goals. Those
experiences ultimately led him to
pursue senior leadership roles, earn
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a terminal degree, and chart a path
toward university leadership.
“The confirmation came over
time,” Lewis said of his decision
to pursue higher education leadership. “I consistently found joy, fulfillment and alignment in the work.”
ACCESS AND EXCELLENCE
Today, that sense of alignment
continues to shape his actions as
president. “My leadership approach
is grounded in high expectations,”
he said. “The uniqueness of our student population demands an even
greater urgency for excellence.”
That emphasis on excellence,
paired with access and affordability, has become central to Clayton
State’s identity. Lewis rejects the
idea that institutions must choose
between accessibility and academic rigor. “Access and excellence can and should coexist,” he
emphasized.
As Georgia’s economy continues to evolve, it is clear that Clayton State is effectively positioned
to help shape the state’s workforce
future while also changing lives
along the way.
For Lewis, the mission is
ultimately about more than enrollment growth or economic development statistics. He stresses it is
about opportunity. And perhaps
more importantly, what happens
when students are finally given
access to it.
Cindy Morley is a staff writer for James and
James Magazine Online.
