By Angela Wallace
After President Gordon B. Hinckley announced Kim B. Clark as the new president of Brigham Young University-Idaho Monday, the former dean of Harvard Business School will be formally introduced to students and faculty today at Devotional in Rexburg.
Although Clark began his academic career at Harvard over 31 years ago as an undergraduate student, he and his wife Sue will leave Boston in less than two months to take the new position.
In a press conference at the Conference Center Monday, President Hinckley said he knows Clark?s achievements and leaderships will follow him to BYU-Idaho, even though more than 2,500 miles stretch between these four-year institutions.
?I know President Clark will carry on the tradition of academic excellence at BYU-Idaho and further the notable achievements made in transitioning to a four-year university,? he said.
After receiving three degrees in economics from Harvard, Clark became a member of the Harvard faculty in 1978. While serving as dean for the last decade, Clark has pioneered integrated technology and education.
?Harvard Business School has thrived under Kim?s creative and energetic guidance,? said Lawrence H. Summers, the president of Harvard University. ?I hope you will join me in recognizing Kim Clark?s distinguished service to the business school and the university, thanking him for a job so skillfully done, and wishing him well as he undertakes the new challenges before him.?
On top of his impressive resume, Clark also was named the George R. Baker Professor of Administration. However, while Clark has embraced the world of academia, his colleagues also recognize his emphasis on the gospel.
?He has always had this philosophy that education and learning is about seeking truth,? said Steve Wheelwright, Baker Foundation Professor and senior associate dean for publication. ?He always asks himself, ?Is this consistent with gospel? Is that what the scriptures teach? Do I feel good about using this to influence other people?? He will be wonderful at BYU-Idaho.?
Clark will also draw upon his service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for his position. After serving a mission in Germany, Clark was also called as a bishop, stake high counselor, elder?s quorum president and scoutmaster.
Now 56, Clark will succeed Robert M. Wilkes, who has served as the interim president for the last six months after former BYU-Idaho President David A. Bednar was called as an apostle last year.
The father of seven children and seven grandchildren will soon assume his new challenges in Idaho after he officially steps down as dean.
?I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this important role,? Clark said via satellite Monday. ?I am tremendously excited to be joining BYU-Idaho, and I look forward to working with everyone in the community in facing the opportunities that lie ahead.?