|
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 3, 2007) — This recipient is a “Woman Who Makes a Difference,” according to the International Women’s Forum. Dr. Clyda S. Rent embodies the term “visionary” as evidenced by the excellence and success of her career.
A graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree in sociology, Dr. Rent entered the field of higher education as a sociology professor at Queens University of Charlotte in 1971. During her 17-year career at Queens she held many positions including vice president for academic affairs. She was instrumental in founding Hayworth College (formerly New College) and the MBA program. She left Queens in 1988 to serve as president of Mississippi University for Women, becoming the first female college president in the state’s history.
|
 |
|
|
|
During her tenure at Queens, Dr. Rent left a lasting impression, significantly impacting the University’s community and academic programming initiatives. In 1986 she created the University’s Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year Award, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year and continues to expose hundreds of attendees to the beauty of Queens’ historic Myers Park campus each year. She also spearheaded the formation of the Learning Society at Queens, a national speaker series that is dedicated to providing Charlotteans with the opportunity to interact with experts on important contemporary issues and topics.
An editorial writer with the Charlotte Observer, described her well, saying, “she must love challenges.” Her latest challenge is serving as principal of Rent Consulting Group, LLC, a company she founded in 2002. There, she uses the marketing and research knowledge responsible for her success at Queens and Mississippi, helping organizations and individuals realize their potential.
Dr. Rent remains an active member of the Charlotte community. Her passion for the arts and academia shines through in her leadership roles with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Arts and Science Council, Charlotte Country Day School and Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
Dr. Rent is an academic, entrepreneur, activist, researcher and scientist, who uses her gifts to improve the ordinary. Because of these talents, she achieves the impossible, creating belief, faith and trust in her wake.
And so it is with great pride, Dr. Clyda S. Rent, that upon the vote of the faculty and trustees of Queens University of Charlotte, and by the authority vested in me by the trustees and the State of North Carolina, I confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, with all the privileges pertaining thereto.
F. William Vandiver, Jr. Pamela Davies, Ph.D.
Chairman President
Board of Trustees Queens University of Charlotte
May 3, 2007 May 3, 2007
|
