The longest serving current president at any Maine college or university announced Monday he is retiring.
Robert Clark, who became president of Husson University in 2010, is stepping down at the end of 2024.
“When I look back over the years at Husson, the thing that’s most memorable and what I’m extremely proud of is the more than 10,000 graduates who completed their higher education work at Husson,” he said.
As president and CEO, Clark oversaw a $38 million capital campaign to support faculty, staff development and endowed scholarships. In 2021, the Harold Alfond Hall was completed to house the College of Business.
Other infrastructure improvements include residence and dining hall renovations, a new learning center, a wellness center, townhouses and the addition of five new athletic teams, according to a press release from the college.
Over his 40-year career in higher education, Clark served as a business professor, scholar, researcher and author.
A Maine native, Clark earned his undergraduate degree and master’s in business administration from the University of Maine. He earned his doctorate from Purdue University.
He said his decision to retire after nearly 15 years with Husson is because of his belief that the university is in a strong position. With a focus on professional education, Husson specializes in preparing students to enter the workforce, he said.
“My goal is to ensure students are job ready on day one,” he said.
The university’s Board of Trustees will soon establish a process to find Clark’s successor.
Board Chairman Daniel Hutchins said in a statement that Clark showed a true dedication to students.
“In my professional life, I have worked with some of the most successful leaders in Maine and throughout the country,” Hutchins said. “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.”
Husson, a private college located in Bangor, is home to the largest college of business in the state and is currently training more than 1,000 students in various health care professions, Clark said.
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