Joseph Samuel Clark facts for kids

Joseph Samuel Clark (born June 7, 1871 – died November 3, 1944) was an important African-American leader in education. He spent most of his career in Louisiana. He was the head of Baton Rouge College and later the president of Southern University and A&M College. These were both historically black colleges, which are schools founded to educate African-American students. Clark worked at these colleges from 1901 to 1938.

From 1914 to 1938, he was the president of Southern University. He helped it grow into a major school. Southern University was a land-grant college, meaning it received federal land or money to support its programs, especially in agriculture and engineering. Joseph S. Clark also helped start several African-American organizations. He was a leader in groups for African-American teachers. In 1931, he was offered a job as the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia by President Herbert Hoover. However, he turned it down because he wanted to keep working on developing Southern University.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Samuel Clark was born on June 7, 1871. His hometown was Sparta, a small community in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. His parents were Philip and Jane Clark. He went to public schools in his area, which were segregated at the time. This meant Black and white students went to separate schools. He also studied privately.

Later, he attended two preparatory colleges. These were like high schools today. After that, he went to Leland College, which was a historically black college. He earned his bachelor's degree there in 1901. He also continued his studies at the University of Chicago and Harvard University.

Career in Education

Clark began his career as a teacher. However, he quickly moved into leadership roles. In 1901, he became the head of Baton Rouge College. He served in this position until 1912. Next, Clark was chosen to be the president of Southern University and A&M College. This state university was first started in New Orleans. In 1890, it became a land-grant college for Black students.

As president, Clark oversaw a big move for the school in 1914. Southern University moved to a small farming community called Scotlandville. This area is in East Baton Rouge Parish. The state bought over 500 acres of land for the new campus. Soon, the property grew to 884 acres. This extra land helped support the school's farming programs. When the college moved, only one Black family lived in the village. However, there were Black farmers and sharecroppers nearby. By the end of his time as president, Clark led a college with 1,400 students. The college helped the community of Scotlandville grow. It later became the largest community with a majority of African-American residents in Louisiana. Scotlandville is now part of the city of Baton Rouge.

Clark was also very active in groups related to education. He was the president of the Louisiana State Colored Teachers' Association for eight years. In 1906, he helped start the National Colored Teachers Association. This group later became known as the American Teachers Association. He served as its president for one year. He also helped create the National Negro Business League and the National Urban League. In 1931, President Herbert Hoover offered Clark the job of U.S. Ambassador to Liberia. Clark turned down this important offer. He was dedicated to his work developing Southern University.

Joseph S. Clark received special honorary doctorates. These were from Selma University, Leland College, and Arkansas Baptist College.

Family Life and Passing

Joseph S. Clark married Octavia Head on December 29, 1901. They had one son named Felton Grandison Clark. Their son also became a leader in education. He followed in his father's footsteps and became president of Southern University in 1938.

Joseph S. Clark passed away on November 3, 1944, in New Orleans.