Bluefield University’s School of Education and Social Sciences is celebrating 50 years of preparing teachers, leaders, and counselors to positively impact their classrooms, schools, and communities.
When Bluefield College began offering bachelor’s degrees in the 1970s, it established the Education Department as one of its first five baccalaureate divisions. Dr. Gerald Clay served as the department’s founding director and inaugural dean.
“Dr. Clay sacrificed and did a tremendous amount of work to establish the Education Department and first teacher education degrees at Bluefield University,” said Dr. Shellie Brown, who serves as the Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences today. “Alumni often share fond memories of being in classes with Dr. Clay and the lasting impact he had on their lives.”
In 1976, the department began offering several undergraduate teacher education programs, including elementary, secondary, music, biology, English, and business education. Special education and early childhood education degrees were later added.
The Education Department launched the college’s first graduate degree in 2015, the Master of Arts in Teaching Excellence, under the direction of Dr. Donna Watson. Faculty have continued to shape and grow the division, with Dr. Thomas Brewster paving the way for the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program and Dr. Brandy Smith laying the groundwork for the Master of Arts in Counseling degree.
As Bluefield transitioned to a university model, the Education Department evolved into the School of Education and Social Sciences. In 2026, it launched one of the university’s inaugural doctoral degree programs, the Doctor of Education. Dr. Shellie Brown was instrumental in developing this program and its initial specializations—Educational Leadership, Instructional Design and Technology, and Special Education.
“The School of Education and Social Sciences prides itself on having alumni who go above and beyond the call of duty in their professions, many of whom have been distinguished with multiple awards, including teacher or administrator of the year awards in their school districts,” Dr. Brown said. “The tradition of excellence started by Dr. Clay has lasted for 50 years and will continue as future generations choose Bluefield University to help them reach their educational and professional goals.”
In honor of Dr. Clay, the Education Department is hosting a fundraiser to refurbish its Dr. Gerald Clay Curriculum Lab, located in room 101 of Easley Library. Along with their faculty, hundreds of students over the years have enjoyed making long-lasting memories filled with intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth; joyful discovery; shared laughter; meaningful connections; and lasting friendships. Refurbishing the classroom with modern furniture and technology will help carry forward Dr. Clay’s legacy of educational excellence, fostering innovation, and empowering future educators for generations to come. Donations can be made through the online donation portal.
The Bluefield University School of Education and Social Sciences invites all former faculty, staff, administrators, and graduates to join us for an Education Department Alumni Reunion on Friday, October 16 at 4:00 p.m. in Easley Library 101.