Clark, longtime College dean, dies

Clark

Clark was dean of the College from 1963-1980. After he retired from Rochester in 1981, he was elected president of the Center for Creative Leadership, an educational institution devoted to improving the practice of management. For a time, he filled the position on a part-time basis while he remained at the University and worked on a program funded by the Lilly Foundation to help younger faculty members become better teachers.

"Ken Clark was a pivotal figure in the development of the College of Arts and Science, and a powerful administrative leader at the University," said Ronald Paprocki, senior vice president for administration and finance.

"He served as dean during a significant 'building period' in terms of program quality and breadth--but they were also difficult times, in terms of the political environment on campuses during the '60s and '70s and the financial fortunes of universities nationally. Through all of that, he was uncompromising on issues of quality and a forceful champion of the College.

"Ken also was a mentor to many of us who were teaching and working on campus during his tenure."

A nationally known psychologist and educator, Clark held posts as president of the American Board in Professional Psychology and the American Psychological Foundation. He also was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to the National Medal of Science Committee.

During his career, he was consultant to the White House, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health, among others. He was the recipient of many awards, including the Gold Medal Award of the American Psychological Foundation in 1986 for a lifetime of exceptional contributions to professional psychology.

Clark is survived by his wife, Miriam Clark, and daughters Patricia Hill, Virginia Clark, and Joyce Marie Luke. His wife's family also survives him, including stepdaughters Martha Birnbaum and Judith Allen, their husbands, children, and grandchildren.

Donations in his memory may be made to Seacrest Country Day School, 7100 Davis Blvd., Naples, Fla. 34104, or Hospice of Naples, Inc., 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, Fla. 34104.

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