Dr. Harry S. Downs served as the founding president of Clayton Junior College from September 1969 to January 1994 and through his leadership he led the school from a small two-year junior college to a thriving four-year institution.  Dr. Downs was born October 5, 1925 in Conyers, Georgia to Mae Belle Sims and Louis Charles Downs.  He graduated from Conyers High School.  Downs married Melba Kicklighter and went on to have three daughters Nancy, Rebecca, and Harriet. His commitment to education started when he earn his junior college degree from North Georgia College in December of 1943, while also being honored as an Outstanding Cadet Officer.  Dr. Downs then attained his Naval Aviator Wings before turning 21 which was a goal he set from himself early in life.  He went on the serve in World War II as a Navy Air Corps fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater, Hellrazor Bombing Squadron Eight-One, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton. After his return home from the war, Harry continued his education by attending the University of Georgia and in 1949 earned a B.S. Ed. In mathematics and science and a M. Ed. In 1950, thus starting his commitment to educating others.  Dr. Downs started his teaching career at Crawford County High School in Roberta, Georgia while serving as an interim instructor in the summers of 1951-1961 at both Michigan State University and the University of Georgia. Downs helped to set and guided the standards for the schools and colleges in the southeastern states as a consultant for the California Testing Bureau from 1955 to 1960.  Harry’s career then lead him to join the University System of Georgia as the Associate Director of Guidance and Testing while serving as the Director of Junior College Operations.  After becoming the Assistant Vice Chancellor he worked to create the transition process for University System of Georgia junior colleges to become credited four year colleges.  His efforts in these endeavors lead to the then Chancellor George Simpson asking Downs to aid in the planning and building of a Clayton Junior College in Marrow, Georgia where he served as the founding president of the new junior college established in 1969. Dr. Harry S. Downs’ instrumental leadership role  allowed the Clayton Junior College go on to establish four-year nursing programs, a continuing education program, and the world famous Spivey Hall concert hall as the junior college became Clayton State College.  Harry retired from Clayton State College and ended his illustrious career in 1994.  In 1997, the Clayton College and State University honored Dr. Harry S. Downs by the dedicating and renaming the Center Continuing Education in his name.  At this dedication ceremony her given the State Resolution 297 of the Georgia House of Representative for his distinguished record of public service in creating cultural and educational opportunities for the citizens of Georgia. The founding president and President Emeritus of Clayton State University died at home on January 3^rd, 2017 after a brief illness.

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