For more than 130 years, Clark University has thrived at the nexus of world-class teaching, boundary-pushing discovery, and creative invention.
The father of rocket science. The founder of the American Psychological Association. A co-inventor of the birth control pill. Members of our community have always challenged convention and found ways to change our world for the better.
Milestones
A new university
Clark opens its doors as the first graduate study only institution in the US
An undergraduate college
Clark’s liberal arts college for men is established
One Clark
Presidencies of the college and university are combined
Clark College goes co-ed
Undergraduate college begins admitting women
A commitment to adult education
Clark’s Evening College offers nighttime degrees for working adults
In the business of business
The School of Management (now School of Business) is founded
Communities near and far
The Department of International Development, Community, and Engagement is founded
A pioneering model for undergraduate education
Clark convenes national conference on liberal education and effective practice
Jonas G. Clark
Successful Massachusetts entrepreneur, abolitionist, and book and art collector, Clark envisioned that his university would open with a rigorous but affordable undergraduate college for young men.
Clark Presidents
Wallace W. Atwood
In addition to his tenure as president, Atwood served as director of the Graduate School of Geography, moving GSG to international prominence.
G. Stanley Hall
A pioneering psychologist, Hall founded the American Psychological Association and brought Sigmund Freud to campus for his only lectures in the United States.
David B. Fithian ’87
Fithian is applying his impressive professional experience and personal vision to the mission of shaping the next stage of Clark University, his alma mater.
David P. Angel
Under Angel’s leadership, Clark launched its Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) curriculum, linking classroom and experiential learning.
John E. Bassett
With key donors, Bassett fostered the creation of the Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise and the Adam Institute for Urban Teaching and School Practice.
Richard P. Traina
A transformative leader, Traina envisioned, initiated, and championed the groundbreaking University Park Partnership, a national model for community engagement.
Mortimer H. Appley
Appley, an accomplished academician, adeptly guided Clark through a period of fiscal uncertainty and established the Graduate School of Management.
Glenn W. Ferguson
Ferguson, a well-traveled diplomat, created the Office of Academic Innovation to develop new courses and nontraditional modes of teaching.
Frederick H. Jackson
Serving at a restless time in the nation’s history, Jackson oversaw completion of Goddard Library and launch of the Worcester Consortium for Higher Education.
Howard B. Jefferson
Jefferson left a legacy of humane learning, a university strengthened in numbers and quality, and facilities that gave new dimensions to the Clark experience.
Wallace W. Atwood
In addition to his tenure as president, Atwood served as director of the Graduate School of Geography, moving GSG to international prominence.
G. Stanley Hall
A pioneering psychologist, Hall founded the American Psychological Association and brought Sigmund Freud to campus for his only lectures in the United States.
David B. Fithian ’87
Fithian is applying his impressive professional experience and personal vision to the mission of shaping the next stage of Clark University, his alma mater.
David P. Angel
Under Angel’s leadership, Clark launched its Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP) curriculum, linking classroom and experiential learning.