2020 Distinguished Service to Wesleyan College

Jane Price Claxton, Class of 1968

Alumnae Jane Claxton smiles for the camera.
Jane Price Claxton’s life story reads like a guidebook on service to others. For every blessing she has received, for every recognition of her accomplishments, Jane has always given far more to others. Generosity is the hallmark of Jane’s life, for she is well known for anticipating a need and volunteering before a request can be made. 

During her twenty-five-year career as an English teacher and counselor at Mount de Sales High School in Macon, Georgia, Jane endeared herself to students and colleagues alike, sharing her wealth of knowledge in content and classroom strategies with new teachers while inspiring her students to win state championships in literary meets and helping them reach their educational goals. One former student wrote that he had no idea how to pay for college even though he was an A/B student. Jane called him into her office one day to tell him about this new lottery-funded program called HOPE. In his words, “I know Mrs. Claxton did not come up with the program, but to me she symbolized my HOPE for the future.” Jane also wrote and coordinated the program that allowed 100 GISA Schools to become part of the Scripps Howard Spelling Bee Competition, was named STAR Teacher in 2000, and received the St. Francis de Sales Award for outstanding service to the school. 

Jane brings this same energy and dedication to her volunteer work in the community.  In 2006, her developmentally disabled son Joe, Jr. moved to Wesley Glen Ministries, a residential facility in Macon serving adults with special needs. Jane immediately joined the Wesley Glen Auxiliary where she founded and still runs a cost-free Santa Shop where residents can select Christmas gifts for family members and friends. She is a member of the Wesley Glen Ministries Board of Trustees and has been recognized on three different occasions for outstanding leadership and service.

Perhaps most notable have been Jane’s many contributions to Wesleyan College. Her exemplary service on the Alumnae Association’s Board of Managers spanning 15 years as Vice President for Educational Enrichment and Vice President of Public Relations positioned her to chair three highly successful Katharine Payne Carnes Lecture Series, bringing authors Jane Smiley, Carmen Deedy, and Mary Alice Munroe to Wesleyan as speakers.  Jane directed efforts to effectively nominate outstanding alumnae for induction into Georgia Women of Achievement and she used her amazing writing and editing skills to assemble class notes for the Wesleyan Magazine. She is a founder and volunteer coordinator of the alumnae Pioneer Book Club in Macon, often serving as hostess and always an active participant while keeping members connected. Jane and her husband Joe give faithfully to sustain Wesleyan’s programs and to secure the College’s future. She has supported the Annual Fund since graduation, is a member of the Society for the Twenty-first Century, and is a Friend of Pierce Chapel and Willet Library. As a candlelighter, an Alumnae Admissions Representative, former Loyalty Fund Chair, and a class reunion committee member, Jane is recognized by all as the “Volunteer Extraordinaire.” Indeed, her alma mater is grateful to Jane for the countless hours of devoted service she has provided over the years, and we share this recognition with her husband Joe, Joe, Jr., and their daughter Anne.  

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