Felton Grandison Clark facts for kids

Felton Grandison Clark (born October 13, 1903 – died July 5, 1970) was an important African-American leader in education. He was the president of Southern University (SU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is a special kind of school called a historically black university. He led the university from 1938 to 1969. During his time, the university grew a lot. The number of students went from 1,500 to over 11,000. By the time he retired, Southern University was the largest historically black university in America.

Early Life and Education

Felton Grandison Clark was born on October 13, 1903. His hometown was Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His father, Joseph Samuel Clark, was also a president of Southern University. He led the school from 1914 to 1938.

Felton Clark went to Beloit College. He earned his first degree there in 1922. Later, he continued his studies at Columbia University. He earned a master's degree in 1925. Then, he received his PhD in 1933.

An Amazing Career in Education

Before becoming a president, Clark was a professor. He taught at Wiley College from 1925 to 1927. He also taught at Southern University from 1927 to 1930. Then, he worked at Howard University from 1931 to 1934. He even worked for the United States Office of Education for a short time.

Leading Southern University

In 1934, Clark became a dean at Southern University. A few years later, in 1938, he became the president. He stayed in this role until 1969. As president, he helped the university grow in many ways. He added new courses and built new buildings on campus. He also started new programs for students who wanted to get advanced degrees.

During the 1960s, many students at Southern University wanted change. They were part of the civil rights movement. This movement worked for equal rights for all people. Students at the university were involved in peaceful protests.

By the time Clark retired in 1969, Southern University had more than 11,000 students. It had become the largest historically black university in the United States. This was a huge achievement!

Beyond the University

Clark was also involved in other important activities. He helped guide the Journal of Negro Education. This is a magazine about education for Black people. He also served as a vice president for the national council of the YMCA. The YMCA is an organization that helps young people.

He was chosen to be part of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. This is a very special group for smart students. In 1964, he went to a big meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. It was about race relationships around the world.

Lasting Legacy

The F. G. Clark Center.

Felton Clark married Allene Knighten in 1958. They did not have children. He was a Baptist and a high-ranking Mason.

Clark passed away on July 5, 1970, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was 66 years old. In 1946, he received an honorary degree from Beloit College.

After his death, many places were named after him. The F. G. Clark Center in Baton Rouge is one example. It's a large building that opened in 1975. Felton Grandison Clark Hall, also called Grandison Hall, is a student dorm on the Southern University campus. It was named for him after being updated in 1991.