Ferlin Clark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ferlin Clark
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Clark in 2007
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| Alma mater | Fort Lewis College (BA), Harvard University (MEd), University of Arizona (PhD) |
| Title | President of Bacone College |
| Term | 2018–2022 |
| Predecessor | Franklin Willis |
| Successor | Nicky Michael |
Ferlin Clark is an American leader and teacher. He is a member of the Navajo Nation. Currently, he works to improve schools for the Navajo people. From 2018 to 2022, he was the president of Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Ferlin Clark grew up in Crystal, New Mexico. He is a member of the Navajo (Dine) Nation.
He earned a bachelor's degree in English from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado in 1988. Later, he received a master's degree in education from Harvard University in 1992. In 2009, he completed his doctoral degree in American Indian studies from the University of Arizona.
His Work and Leadership
Early in his career, Ferlin Clark taught history and geography. He taught at the Navajo Preparatory School.
Leading Diné College
In 1999, Clark became a vice president at Diné College. He helped the college grow. In 2003, he became the temporary president. He then became the permanent president in 2004. He worked to lead the college for several years. In 2010, he left his role as president.
After leaving Diné College, Clark continued to serve his community. He worked as an assistant for the Navajo Nation Vice President, Rex Lee Jim.
From 2012 to 2014, he also worked for the state of New Mexico. He was the Assistant Secretary of Indian Education. In this role, he helped improve education for Native American students.
Becoming President of Bacone College
In April 2018, Ferlin Clark became the new president of Bacone College. He took over from Franklin Willis. Bacone College is a special school with a long history.
Under Clark's leadership, Bacone College worked to become a tribally connected college. This meant getting support from different Native American tribes. This helped the college become stronger financially. Several tribes supported Bacone College during his time. These included the Osage Nation, the Kiowa Tribe, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. The Otoe–Missouria Tribe of Indians and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians also gave their support.
During his time, the college also made some financial changes. This included stopping some sports programs, like football and wrestling.
In 2022, Clark took a leave from Bacone College. Nicky Michael became the temporary president.
Current Role and Other Contributions
Today, Ferlin Clark works as an administrator. He helps improve schools for the Navajo people. He works in the Office of Dine School Improvement.
He has also served on important education boards. He was part of the College Board. He also served on the executive board of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. This group helps colleges that serve Native American students.
Family Life
Ferlin Clark is married to his wife, Gwen.
