BANGOR, Maine — Husson University will soon say goodbye to longstanding president and CEO Dr. Robert Clark.
Clark announced that he will retire at the end of next year, and he will complete 15 years as president before he steps down from his position.
"I don’t refer to it as calling it quits. I call it time to transition," Clark said.
Clark's tenure makes him the longest-serving president at any four-year college or university in Maine.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Clark was the perfect man for the job, and the consistent advancements of the university are proof of his achievements as president.
"He understood the core meaning of leadership, effectively bringing together his academic expertise, financial acumen, and managerial skills," Collins said. "His unique blend of talents propelled Husson University to new heights under his guidance."
Clark said extensive experience has been his best teacher, and he's happy to pass down the lessons he has learned.
"One of the things you’ll learn is to be adaptable, flexible, and do a lot of listening," Clark said.
Husson University alumni and the Board of Trustees Vice Chair Phillip Harriman said Clark’s effectiveness is what stands out most about his leadership.
"If you could see the campus 15 years ago and what it is today, you would see just example after example of infrastructure that was conceived on a blueprint that got built and has served the university students," Harriman said.
Renovations to the university’s residence and dining hall, as well as the construction of the Harold Alfond Hall, the Darling Learning Center, and the Wellness Learning Center were all completed during Clark’s tenure at the university.
Clark said increasing students' educational experience has been his motivation for supporting the many improvements and projects that were completed under his administration.
He said helping transform student's lives over the years has been the most enjoyable part of his career.
"I still get an emotion of positivity when I see those students and their smiles on commencement day," Clark said. "To know that they’re going on to make a journey for life and knowing that we as an institution have had an impact on their futures."
Clark has seen more than 10,000 students graduate from the university.
Harriman said he will miss Clark’s direction and guidance — which he believes have taken the university far. Harriman said Clark has laid a sturdy groundwork that will continue in his absence.
As a leader, Harriman said Clark doesn't steer away from initiating tough conversations, and he leads by example.
"Dr. Clark was willing to sit down, look you in the eye, and tell you what you needed to know so you could make good decisions as a trustee," Harriman said.
Clark said as he prepares to start a new journey of his own, he looks forward to traveling, spending more time with his family, and finding new ways to serve in his community.
As staff prepares to bid their president farewell, Harriman said Clark's retirement gives faculty and students time to reflect and recognize the years of hard work Clark has contributed to ensuring the university's growth and success.
"It’s the opportunity for the university to take a look back on where we’ve been and where we are today," Harriman said. "That is such a great legacy that he has built for us to look forward to the future."