Betty Jane Cleckley, Ph.D.
Betty Jane Cleckley, Ph.D. was born determined, talkative and independent, the kind of spirit needed to build a life and career dedicated to social justice, diversity awareness and open dialogue. In her 17 years as Marshall University's vice president for Multicultural Affairs, Betty has been a force for positive change on campus and throughout the community. "When I was a little girl, I was selfconfident. I had a strong sense of justice; I wanted to change things.I am determined to improve our society. I do this by trying to heighten social justice consciousness wherever I am," says Betty.
After a decade of social work in various cities, Betty decided to go into higher education administration. In 1989, she returned home to work at Marshall, the same university that closed its doors to her as an undergraduate because of the color of her skin. "My mother was a lady of great vision and spirit," Betty says. "She always said, 'You have to prepare yourself for a better day because things will get better.' I listened to my mother. I felt for things to get better, I have to get better."
Her tall frame, striking lines and straight-forwardness exhibit her disdain for hypocrisy and her insights into humanity. Such wisdom and advocacy for change are rooted in all of her initiatives, including the Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium and the Carter G. Woodson Faculty Initiative, in which 10 doctoral candidates have enrolled thus far.
She continues to advocate for the Harmony Institute, a 1997 initiative to improve race relations through training and education, which remains underfunded. Her love of travel (she has visited over 20 countries) has shown her the value of diversity firsthand. The awards lining her office walls are a testimony to the difference one person can make. "I think the university has moved forward since I came here; a lot of people think so. I've had a long, rewarding career. I have accomplished some of my goals in terms of change, but there still remains many challenges."
