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Family and Friends Honor Perryman-Clark’s Achievements
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth reporter
The Perryman family legacy in the city of Toledo can be
described as faith-based, family-focused and community
empowerment. Recently, the family gathered to celebrate the
birthday and recent research accomplishments of Staci
Perryman-Clark, PhD, associate director at Western Michigan
University’s Office of Faculty Development, associate
professor of English and Gender and Women’s Studies at WMU
and director of First-Year Writing at WMU. Her research
focuses on institutional and pedagogical practices that
systematically reduce retention among black students. |
Staci Perryman Clark, Randall Clark and daughter Jamison |
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On September 16, 2017, a celebration was held at the
historic Toledo Club, located in downtown Toledo. Glitz and
glamourous center-pieces decorated every table filled with
smiling guests and family members of the honor. Attendees
enjoyed the menu of fine dining options, a live band and
heart-felt presentations. Perryman-Clark was surrounded by
family and friends during the festivities organized by her
sister and supporter, Tracee Perryman, PhD.
Perryman-Clark’s doctoral dissertation focused on diversity
and inclusion in a higher education setting. “I wanted to
work with teachers and faculty, not just teachers’
assistance and students. In the current format, something
was missing. We hosted a two-day seminar at a convention
center, and focused on defining diverse students. This
includes international, disabled, and second language
writers. I enjoy serving the entire university, instead of
just a department.” explained Perryman-Clark.
In addition to her academic accomplishments she has authored
one book as a solo author, co-edited two additional
published books, developed and presented training based on
her research, and delivered keynote addresses at several
major universities including Purdue.
Geneva Smitherman, PhD, Michigan State University
distinguished professor emerita of English and co-founder of
African American and African studies, has offered a positive
recommendation for one of Perryman-Clark’s publish books: “Afrocentric
Teacher-Research: Rethinking Appropriateness and Inclusion,
is an innovative, intellectually bold work by one of the
most talented and brightest thinkers in the emerging
generation of scholars in Composition and Rhetoric,” wrote
Smitherman.
“I would like to pursue additional opportunities where I
could work to impact change across the university,” said
Perryman-Clark.
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