After nearly 15 years as president and CEO of Husson University, Robert Clark said Monday that he will retire in December 2024.
He is currently the longest-serving president of any four-year college or university in Maine, according to Husson. His career in higher education spans more than 40 years.
Clark began his tenure as president and CEO in January 2010. (The CEO role denoted his oversight of finances and HR.) Under Clark, more than 10,000 students have graduated from the university.
“I will always look back on my time at Husson with great fondness and I take great pride in the fact that Husson’s next president will take over a thriving university that is growing its reach not only in Maine but across the country,” Clark said in a news release.
Clark’s legacy
During his presidency, Clark oversaw and completed a $38 million capital campaign that supported faculty, staff development and endowed scholarships. He was also responsible for residence and dining hall renovations and the construction of the Darling Learning Center and the Wellness Learning Center.
Improvements were also made in athletics, ranging from adding five new teams, the Wadleigh Academic Center, renewal of two artificial turfs, new lighting at Boucher Field and the transformation of O’Keefe Field. He also oversaw the creation of Harold Alfond Hall, which became the business college’s new home in 2021.
“The completion of these projects is a testament to our values,” said Clark. “It clearly demonstrates Husson University’s dedication to our students, the caliber of the education we offer and the quality of life we provide.”
“As an alum and vice chair of the board of trustees I’ve marveled at President Clark’s empathy for our student’s academics and personal development environment, as well as his executive leadership capabilities and capacity,” said Phil Harriman. “Dr. Clark has built a legacy that has made Husson a better and prouder university which future leaders can build upon.”
Clark has served as a professor of business, a noted scholar, researcher and author. He also served five years on active duty and 10 years with the U.S. Army Reserve.
Prior to joining Husson, he has held appointments at the University of Vermont, as a Fulbright Scholar at the Norwegian School of Management, and as a visiting faculty member at the Business and Economics University in Vienna, Austria, the University of Tampa, Butler University and the University of Evansville.
The Maine native received his bachelor’s degree in Spanish and business administration and a master’s degree from the University of Maine. He also earned a Ph.D. in finance from Purdue University.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a statement on Monday that Clark was the perfect person for the job.
“It is with great respect and admiration that I acknowledge the retirement of Dr. Robert A. Clark, president and CEO of Husson University, a native of Maine and a remarkable figure whose legacy leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of Maine’s higher education,” said Collins.
“Hailing from Albion, Dr. Clark is not just from our state, but he is truly ‘Of Maine.’ When he returned to lead Husson University, it was evident that he was the perfect person for the job. He understood the core meaning of leadership, effectively bringing together his academic expertise, financial acumen, and managerial skills. His unique blend of talents propelled Husson University to new heights under his guidance.”
The board of trustees will establish a process to select a successor to Clark.
“In my professional life I have worked with some of the most successful leaders in Maine and throughout the country,” said Daniel Hutchins, board chair. “What stands out most about Bob is he was all about the students — every waking hour he was focused on how to make the student experience better and creating opportunities for success.”