Robert E. Clark II

Education

Clark attended the Naval Academy Prep School from 1979-1980. He began the United States Naval Academy from 1980-1984 and earned a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. He was one of only forty Midshipmen in a graduating class of 1,006 members to receive a Letter of Commendation for leadership.

Afterwards, he attended Naval Postgraduate School from 1989-1991. There, he earned a Master of Science in National Security Affairs. Clark was awarded the Naval Institute Award for his thesis work.

Many years later, Clark and a select group of senior leaders attended the University of North Carolina's (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business School (a Navy Corporate Business Course) on Executive management in 2005.

Career

Clark was the Commanding Officer of the USS Connecticut (SSN 22) in Groton, Connecticut from August 2001-September 2003. His responsibilities included training, professional development of a crew around 135, and safe/secure operations of the submarine and the crew. During his command, the USS CONNECTICUT operated in two Artic [sic] ice pack (LANTSUBICEX 1-02 and 1-03) missions as well as the deployment to the North Atlantic. The USS CONNECTICUT was awarded Submarine Squadron FOUR Tactical "T's" in recognition of tactical and operational excellence in 2001 and 2002. The USS CONNECTICUT was also awarded retention Honor Roll awards and unit awards recognizing CONNECTICUT's performance during operations to the National Security of the United States.

As his Naval career progressed, Clark was the Branch Head for Plans, Liaison and Assessments, which is the senior special assistant to the Director of Submarine Warfare (OPNV N97) from October 2003-June 2005. He was responsible for strategic planning, public affairs, congressional liaison and program assessments to the Submarine Force. He also functioned as the Co-Chair and member of oversight groups that coordinated the Submarine Force's message.

In his next role, Clark was Deputy Executive Assistant (DEA) and Executive Assistant (EA) to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) from June 2005-April 2008 in Washington, D.C. In this role, the EA/DEA would provide insight and recommendations to the VCNO regarding political and complex issues regarding the Navy. The EA/DEA would represent the Navy in meetings in the absence of the VCNO.

In June 2008-April 2010, Clark was Commodore for Submarine Squadron FOUR in Groton, Connecticut. He was responsible for the oversight, manning, training, and safe operations of the submarines and crews.

Clark was the 84th Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy from April 2010 – May 2013. He is the longest standing Commandant in the Naval Academy's history. His responsibilities were the professional development and day-to-day activities of all 4,500 Midshipmen in the Brigade. His title equates to an Executive Vice President (EVP) position at a civilian university. Clark is also the Chairman of The Naval Academy's Board of Control and provides oversight to the Naval Academy Athletic Association.

As Clark transitioned from active duty to civilian life, he became the Joint Service Coordinator for the Pennsylvania State University from July 2013-June 2015. He oversaw fiscal, operational, scheduling, and curricular aspects pertaining to the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs (Army, Naval, and Air force) and Penn State, while holding the academic rank of full professor. He served on Penn State's Undergraduate Education Leadership Council, and guest lectured at Penn State's Schreyer Honors College Leadership Academy.

Awards

Present day

Clark is President of Wesley College in Dover, Delaware beginning July 15, 2015. He has two sons, both of whom are naval officers.