Dr. Cathy Clark, an associate professor in the Department of Counseling, Family Therapy, and Higher Education, is retiring at the end of this calendar year. She has taught in the student affairs administration program at App State for 27 years.
In addition to teaching, Clark worked in the Leadership Center on campus and served as a member of the Leadership Minor Advisory Council. She was also a member of the founding committee for the Women’s Center and the Trailhead Leadership program.
Clark also assisted in the development of a coordinated graduate student admission/assistantship program (Graduate Application Preview Program) and served as a co-lead for LeaderShape for 25 years.
During her time at App State, Clark has seen the university change in many ways. “The student population has doubled since I got here, new buildings, new people, new directions,” she noted.
“What has not changed is the strength of students in our program, the impact they have made on the lives of undergraduates at App State, and the impact they continue to make throughout the county at colleges and universities,” Clark added.
Clark’s advice to faculty beginning in their careers:
- “Live your full life;
- Get outdoors;
- Spend time with friends and family;
- Seek out faculty and staff who will support you and make you laugh;
- Students need mentors and to know that someone cares about them — reach out to students and let them know they matter; and
- Take advantage of the concerts, lectures, art, sports, professional development, and community that is right outside your door.”
In retirement, Clark is looking forward to traveling and spending time with her grandson and his soon-to-be sibling.
Clark is also a nationally board-certified Health and Wellness Coach and is looking forward to helping others work toward their goals with this certification.
Although she is excited about her retirement, Clark said she will miss the students at App State most of all. “They have always challenged me, supported me, made me laugh, and cry, and made my time as a faculty member unforgettable.”
Cathy Clark
