Dean of Students

The Dean of Students office is committed to student success. We advocate for student support as they navigate their educational experience.

Welcome Message from the Dean of Students

Hey Lakers!

We’re so glad you’re here.

As your Dean of Students, I want you to know this: you are not alone on this journey. Our faculty, staff, and administrators are all deeply invested in your success. Whether you’re adjusting to college life or getting closer to graduation, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out. We mean that.

At Clayton State, we believe education should be a launchpad for social mobility, a way to create new opportunities for yourself, your family, and your future. But that kind of transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. I challenge you to stay connected, stay engaged, and stay curious.

Get involved. There’s something here for everyone. Take a stroll down Main Street on the second floor of the University Center to feel the buzz of happenings or visit the Student Activities Center to take care of your physical wellness at your very own campus gym, just to name a few engagement opportunities. If you ever feel out of the loop, check your Clayton State email and visit clayton.edu/calendar to stay up to date on campus events, programs, and opportunities. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, that’s the beauty of being a Laker. This is a campus of possibility. You have the power to create something new.

This is your time. Let’s make it count together.

Dr. Mya Richardson-Echols

Staff

mya richardson-echols

Dr. Mya Richardson-Echols
Dean of Students
Email Mya

sarah ray

Sarah Ray, M.S.
Assistant Dean of Students
Email Sarah

humberto leyva

Humberto Leyva
Coordinator for Student Support
Email Humberto

Contact Information

Office Location

James M. Baker University Center UC 250

Office Email

Dean of Students Email Address

Office Phone

(678) 466-5444

Students by the Numbers

34%

percentage of first-gen students

175

number of students supported

150

number of pantry visitors

Support Services

CARE Team

The Care Team reviews reports of concerning behavior to ensure early intervention and support. Our goal is to promote campus safety and student well-being through proactive, coordinated responses.

Get CARE Support

Community, Belonging & Veterans Center

The CBVC is a place for Veterans and Active Duty members alike to meet, get information, and just hang out and be themselves with like-minded individuals.

Community & Veterans Info

Student Care & Support

Student Care & Support provides individualized assistance to students facing personal, academic, or financial challenges that may impact their college experience. Our team connects students to campus and community resources to promote well-being and help them stay on track.

Discover Care & Support

Lakers Care and Share

Lakers Care & Share is a cross-campus advisory council developed to help students who are struggling with food and housing insecurity and having other essential needs.

Explore Lakers Care & Share

Disability Services

Located within Care & Support, Disability Services is here to help ensure students with documented disabilities can access the necessary resources through a welcoming and inclusive environment to make their dreams real.

Explore Disability Services

Support Students Through Giving

Want to Donate to the Student Emergency Fund? Giving options are available year round.

Give to Support Students

First-Generation Student Experience

What is a First Generation College Student?

At Clayton State, we celebrate our Lakers who are the first in their families to attend college. A first-generation college student is typically someone whose parents or guardians have not earned a four-year college degree.

Being a first-gen Laker means you’re blazing a new trail, navigating college life, academics, and opportunities in ways that may be completely new to your family. You’re building a legacy that starts with you, and our campus community is here to support you every step of the way.

Clayton State is committed to promoting social mobility, helping students transform their lives and communities through access to higher education and meaningful support. We also recognize that the college journey isn’t just about the student, it’s about the family. That’s why we work to ingratiate students and their families into the Laker community, ensuring they feel connected, informed, and empowered to thrive together at CSU.

At Clayton State, we’re proud of our first-gen Lakers and the determination they bring to campus every day. Whether you’re just starting your journey or nearing graduation, remember that you belong here, and your success moves us all forward.

First Gen Forward

Clayton State University is proud to be recognized as part of the First-gen Forward Network, a national initiative powered by NASPA’s Center for First-generation Student Success and The Suder Foundation. This designation honors institutions that demonstrate an intentional commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students.

This recognition reflects Clayton State’s dedication to promoting social mobility, expanding access, and building a campus culture where first-generation Lakers and their families feel supported, connected, and celebrated. Through programs, partnerships, and engagement opportunities, we empower our students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Tri-Alpha Honors Society

At Spring 2025, Clayton State University inducted the first chapter of Alpha-Alpha-Alpha First-Generation Student Honors Society.

Interested in Membership? Please Submit the Following Interest Form: Tri-Alpha Interest Form