On Sept. 26, Dayton Business Journal released this year’s Bizwomen Power 50, a list compiling the 50 most powerful businesswomen in the Dayton area, on which President Laurie Joyner is listed.
Joyner thanked her senior staff in a tweet on Sept. 29.
President of Clark State, Jo Alice Blondin, tweeted that she was “honored to be named alongside impressive colleagues.”
Athletic Director Gary Williams also extended his congratulations via Twitter with a “way to go!”
“The Dayton Business Journal” stated, “Joyner had led the charge for enhancements to the university, including a $6.5 million technology upgrade plan, plans for a new indoor athletic facility, new educational programs and more.”
The journal also noted her involvement with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Rotary and The Wittenberg Guild. It also referenced her previous work as a dean at Rollins College and her work at Loyola University New Orleans, where she obtained her undergraduate degree.
Joyner is no stranger to being on these sorts of lists; she was also previously selected for The Power Generation, a New Orleans City Business top 40 people under the age of 40 for her studies on public education.
Some students are not as impressed, but most remain oblivious.
“Of course they’re going to choose the president of the university, she’s a woman in power in the Dayton area, but there are a bunch of presidents on this list, so how special is it?” said one student.
Another student commented, “In light of recent events, this is good news for her, however I’m still skeptical of how she will handle her situation with the faculty,” speaking in reference to the recent divide between some of the faculty and the president over the promotion of Mary Jo Zenbar as interim provost.
Many students expressed apathy, frustration, and anger when hearing about the news.
“I don’t think she deserves this if she can’t keep her own faculty together,” said another student.
Regardless, students declined to comment for fear of social and professional consequences.
