Former Western Connecticut State University President John B. Clark passed away on Jan. 2, after a short illness.

Dr. Clark served as WestConn’s ninth president from 2015 to 2022, a period marked by significant change, pressure, and complexity in public higher education. He championed in-state tuition for students from New York and New Jersey, a policy that widened access and increased out-of-state enrollment. Clark also led the university through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the transition to fully online instruction while prioritizing the safety of students, faculty, and staff and planning for a return to campus.

Dr. Clark earned three master’s degrees and a doctorate, though his path to academia was unconventional. He spent 18 years on Wall Street as a bond trader and, during that time, earned an Ed.D. in Philosophy and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. He later served in a range of senior leadership roles across the SUNY system, including interim president at multiple campuses and interim chancellor. He also held executive roles within the CUNY system, focusing on entrepreneurship and industry partnerships.

A native of the Bronx, Dr. Clark was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era and a devoted Irish Catholic—identities he spoke about openly and with pride. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; their two adult daughters; and twin granddaughters.

Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, WestConn’s president, said Clark’s passing provides an opportunity to reflect on his tenure.

“As a university, we are shaped not only by where we are going, but by those who came before us,” Bernal said. “We honor the role he played in that history, the service he gave to public higher education, and the people who loved him beyond his professional life.”

A wake is scheduled from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at Kennedy Roth Funeral Home, 41–45 58th St., Woodside, NY 11377.

The funeral will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at St. Sebastian’s RC Church, 58-02 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, NY 11377.

A reception will follow at 1 p.m. at Donovan’s Pub, 57-24 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, NY 11377.