“The University is grateful for the tremendous leadership and work of Dr. Bettye M. Clark during the presidential transition, and for filling the void left by the unexpected death of former Provost and Vice President James A. Hefner,” said President Ronald A. Johnson. “Moreover, her commitment to the University’s forward progress is to be celebrated.”
Clark served students in various capacities during her more than 30 years on the faculty at CAU, including as chair of the Department of Mathematical Science, dean of Graduate Studies and interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. She is also the founder of the Graduate Resource Center.
“The creation of the Graduate Resource Center grew out of my fervent devotion and commitment to all CAU students, but particularly graduate students who needed support services different than those offered to our undergraduate students,” Clark explained. “The naming of the Dr. Bettye M. Clark Graduate Resource Center is an honor bestowed upon me that I will always cherish and appreciate.”
Clark earned multiple professional awards before her second retirement at the end of 2016. During her tenure, she garnered more than $7 million in grant funding, co-authored two books and was once named Professor of the Year.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Fort Valley State University, with high honors. Her master’s degree is from the University of Georgia and she holds a doctorate from the University of Houston.
“Thank you, President Johnson, Trustee Aldridge, students, faculty and staff, especially those in the mathematics department. I am extremely grateful to the entire University community for this esteemed recognition,” she concluded.
