4.10.26

Dear Colleagues —

Dr. Jamarco Clark, vice chancellor for student affairs, has shared that he will be leaving UIS to take on an exciting new opportunity as the next vice president for student affairs for Wichita State University, effective July 1.

While I am saddened to see Dr. Clark depart UIS, I am very proud that our university has been part of his trajectory in an already impressive career as a higher education leader. Dr. Clark has bold professional aspirations, and I am confident he will be very successful in his pursuits.

Dr. Clark joined UIS in 2023 and immediately demonstrated his strength as a transformative leader. By aligning people, strategy and resources to advance student success, he has built and cultivated an amazing team of student affairs professionals dedicated to meeting students’ needs and enhancing their university experience.

Under his leadership, the Division of Student Affairs implemented its first strategic plan and several high‑impact initiatives, including New Student Convocation, an enhanced New Student Orientation, the Strengthening Institutional Programs grant, which enhances student engagement through improved, proactive student support services designed to increase retention and academic goal attainment among much more, and the revitalization of treasured traditions such as UIS Homecoming. All of this work has been intentionally focused on supporting student belonging and building community. Dr. Clark also has been an effective leader and advocate for our Athletics program, which has seen success both in competition and in the classroom, including achievement of one of the highest departmental GPA (3.56) in UIS Athletics history.

I know many of us will miss Dr. Clark as a colleague, friend and mentor. UIS is stronger because of his leadership, and we are grateful for the contributions he has made to our university and especially to our students.

Dr. Clark’s last day with UIS will be in late June. We will share a transition plan in the near future.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Clark on this well-deserved next step.

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield