Clark Retiring as Head of Community College Board

On Friday, Dr. Eric Clark, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB), announced that he will retire on June 30, 2015.

Dr. Clark has served as Executive Director of the MCCB since January 2008. He previously served for twelve years as the Mississippi Secretary of State and sixteen years as a member of the Mississippi Legislature. During his career, he has also taught history and government at Taylorsville High School, Jones County Junior College, Mississippi College, and Belhaven University.

Clark commented, “I began teaching at Taylorsville HS and Jones County JC in the fall of 1975. Next summer will make 40 years in public service, and I think that will be a good time for a change. I have a life-long love for the state of Mississippi, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to have served our citizens over these years.”

“Eric Clark has committed his entire adult life to helping the people of Mississippi,” said Mr. Bruce Martin, MCCB chair from Meridian. “In his years of public service, he has made a lasting impact in the lives of countless Mississippians, whether it was overseeing Mississippi’s community college system, serving as a state elected official, or as a classroom teacher. We are grateful for his commitment and service to our state. The leadership and example he has set for the MCCB staff and others will benefit the agency for years to come. He will be missed by everyone in the community college system.”

Dr. Johnny Allen, President of Northeast Mississippi Community College and chair of the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior College added, “On behalf of the 15 community college presidents, I thank Dr. Clark for his leadership to the Mississippi community college system. When he came to MCCB, our state’s economy was beginning to feel the effects of the national recession, and he helped to guide our institutions through that difficult time. Through his leadership, we were able to balance record enrollments at the same time as when our budgets were being reduced.” Dr. Allen also added that, “Nearly 40 years ago, he made a commitment to public life and served it honorably. We now celebrate his commitment to serve his family in retirement with the same enthusiasm.”

In the coming weeks, MCCB board members will begin the process of searching for Dr. Clark’s replacement. No timeframe has been set for a new hire.