Dover’s Wesley College has named its new school president. Robert E. Clark will begin work as the College’s 17th president in July.
Clark, a former Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S Naval Academy, retires this summer from the U.S. Navy. He also held several senior executive leadership positions, most recently Joint Service Coordinator for Penn State University.School officials say they received 109 applications for Wesley’s presidency; many of whom were interviewed for the position. The college’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of Clark.
In a statement, Board trustee Co-chair Robert Harra Jr. said, “Mr. Clark’s innovative and collaborative leadership style is the perfect fit for Wesley College.”
Clark says his experience makes him well-suited to be a college president who brings out the best in students and faculty.
"From a leadership standpoint and qualifications, I think it’s just an understanding of what’s needed in terms of empowerment, what’s needed in terms of vision and more importantly, to be decisive when I need to be, but also collaborative throughout the process," said Clark.
Clark adds he looks forward to getting to know the Delaware community before laying out his strategy for the liberal arts institution.
"Before you lead you have to learn, and before you learn you have to listen," Clark told Delaware Public Media.
Clark replaces Dr. William Johnston announced last August his plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2014-15 academic year.
During Johnston’s seven year tenure, Wesley College added a variety of new adult programs and majors, completed its new Health Sciences Building, and made other infrastructure improvements, including new central campus plazas designed plazas to make the school more pedestrian-friendly and Wi-Fi access.