Staff Spotlight: Clay Cleaver
Clay with his wife Emilie and daughter Phoebe
When did you start at UCBA and what are your current responsibilities?
I started at UCBA in January of 2024, so still pretty green in my role as a Program Coordinator with Academic Support. Most of my responsibilities are spread among the English & Communication, Vet Tech, and Art & Visual Communication departments. I help schedule and organize department events, initiate contracts and purchase orders, and provide general support with whatever else faculty might need. Suits my jack-of-all-trades personality.
What is your favorite thing about working at UC Blue Ash?
Firstly, I’m glad to be a Bearcat. I have lived in the Greater Cincinnati area my whole life and am a lifelong fan of Bearcats Athletics. My favorite thing about working at UCBA is how everyone I’ve interacted with has made me feel like I’ve worked here for 6 years instead of 6 months.
Is there a current/recent book or podcast you’re enjoying?
Having only recently stepped away from teaching high school English where reading for pleasure is difficult to do, I’ve taken a “world is my oyster” approach. I would say that the mystery/suspense and horror genres are my comfort zone. I’m halfway through James Ellroy’s LA Quartet having read The Black Dahlia and L.A. Confidential, and I added his American Tabloid for good measure. Currently reading Pet Sematary by Stephen King. I always scoffed at the premise, but it’s more than just bringing a cat back from the dead.
What kind of hobbies or activities do you pursue outside of work?
I love to golf. I am a very amateur woodworker – just some small projects here and there as gifts for folks. I discovered a joy for baking/cooking during the pandemic and now my 5-year-old daughter and I spend a lot of time whipping things up in the kitchen.
What is one fun or interesting fact you would like to share about yourself?
I played baseball through college. My claim to fame is that I hit for the cycle (a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game) in front of a Miami Marlins scout down in Florida. A couple follow-up phone calls, but it clearly didn’t go beyond that!
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Email: admissions@ucblueash.edu