Husson University President Robert Clark Announces His Retirement
Published on: October 16, 2023
BANGOR, MAINE – Husson University President Robert Clark has announced he will be stepping down from his position at the end of 2024. He is currently the longest serving president at any four-year college or university in Maine.
Clark became president on January 1, 2010. During his presidency, more than ten thousand students graduated from the university. In his tenure, he has led efforts to strengthen Husson University’s academics, finances, expand enrollment, and established the current academic infrastructure of the College of Science and Humanities, College of Health and Pharmacy, College of Business, the School of Technology and Innovation and overseen the integration of the New England School of Communication into the University.
“In my professional life I have worked with some of the most successful leaders in Maine and throughout the country,” said Daniel Hutchins, Chair of the Husson Board of Trustees. “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.”
“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 ‘77. “Dr. Clark has built a legacy that has made Husson a better and prouder university which future leaders can build upon.”
The construction of the new Harold Alfond Hall, home of the College of Business, completed in August of 2021, is the signature image of the campus. It was made possible, thanks in large part, to a $4 million matching gift from the Harold Alfond Foundation. When the gift was announced in 2017, it was the largest outright gift ever made to Husson University.
President Clark also oversaw and completed a $38 million capital campaign that supported faculty, staff development, and endowed scholarships. He was also responsible for other infrastructure renovations to the residence and dining hall renovations, and construction of the Darling Learning Center, the Wellness Learning Center, and the townhouses. Significant improvements were also made in athletics ranging from adding five new teams, the Wadleigh Academic Center, the strength and conditioning rooms, to the renewal of two artificial turfs, new lighting at Boucher Field and the transformation of O’Keefe Field.
“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.”
Aside from his current role as president and CEO, Clark served as a professor of business, a noted scholar, researcher and author. His career in higher education spans more than 40 years. He has held academic appointments at the University of Vermont, as a Fulbright Scholar at the Norwegian School of Management, Summer Visiting Faculty at the Business and Economics University in Vienna, Austria, the University of Tampa, Butler University, (IN) and the University of Evansville (IN) prior to joining Husson University. As a Maine native, Clark earned a BA in Spanish, BS in Business Administration and MBA from the University of Maine and a Ph.D. in Finance from Purdue University. As an ROTC graduate Clark served five years on active duty and 10 years with the US Army Reserves.
“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.”
The board of Trustees will be establishing a process to select a successor to President Clark.
ABOUT HUSSON UNIVERSITY
For 125 years, Husson University has shown its adaptability and strength in delivering educational programs that prepare future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent a superior value in higher education. The hallmarks of a Husson education include advanced knowledge delivered through quality educational programs in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. According to an analysis of tuition and fees by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is one of the most affordable private colleges in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.