New President Appointed at WCSU Danbury

The Board of Regents for Higher Education voted today to appoint Dr. John B. Clark President of Western Connecticut State University (WCSU).

During the last six years, Clark has led the Office of Business and Industry Relations and the Center for Student Entrepreneurship for the City University of New York (CUNY). He was formerly Interim Chancellor, State University of New York (SUNY), and Interim President of four SUNY campuses (Alfred, Brockport, Optometry and Plattsburgh).

Clark will officially begin his tenure as WCSU President on July 1, his salary as president will be $260,000.

“John Clark will make a fine leader for Western Connecticut State University and his outstanding administrative experience will enable him to continue to move the university forward with his leadership, energy and vision,” Merle Harris, Board of Regents Search Committee Chair said in a statement issued by the Board. “I also want to take a moment to thank the members of the University Advisory Committee for their efforts. It was a pleasure working with them on all aspects of the search.”

The search for a new president commenced in December 2014, following the announcement by President Schmotter of his retirement, effective July 1, 2015. The presidential search was conducted by the Regents Search Committee with assistance from the University Advisory Committee.

“I am deeply honored and privileged to be named President of Western Connecticut State University. It is truly the highlight of my career,” Clark said in a press release.

Before joining SUNY, Clark had an 18-year Wall Street career in public finance and municipal bond research, specializing in health and higher education. Clark held various positions in New York City and state government and is a Vietnam-era veteran. He also has experience working with various non-profit organizations.

Clark holds five degrees, including a bachelor of arts degree in history cum laude from Providence College, a master of public administration degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), a master of arts degree in economics from Fordham University, a master of arts degree in philosophy from New York University, and a doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Image via WCSU

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