Dr. Bryon Clark named Associate Dean of Graduate & University Studies at Southeastern

Press Release Date: 09-09-2005

Dr. Bryon K. Clark, professor and chair of the department of biological sciences at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, has been appointed Associate Dean for the School of Graduate and University Studies at SOSU. Clark will be responsible for the development and administration of Southeastern’s general education program, instructional program management, faculty training, and will work with the director of student learning and research in evaluating the general education programs. The School of Graduate and University Studies is the new name designation for what was formerly known as the School of Graduate Studies.

“Dr. Bryon Clark has played a key role in many of the successes that Southeastern has enjoyed over the last several years,’’ said Southeastern President Dr. Glen D. Johnson. “His background and experience in the area of general education studies will be of great benefit in this new position. We look forward to his continued contributions to the University and congratulate him on his new appointment.’’

Clark received his B.A. in biology from Central College, Pella, Iowa; his M.S in biology from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Ill.; and his Ph.D. in biology from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.

He served as Chair of the Faculty Senate at Southeastern until his appointment as director of general education.

Clark joined the Southeastern faculty in 1990, and his teaching and research interests include mammalogy, evolution, general biology, general zoology, mammalian ecology and conservation biology. In addition to his teaching duties, Clark has served as director of general education since 2003.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve the Southeastern family in this capacity,’’ Clark said. “I anticipate working with faculty, students, and staff to ensure that the general education program is responsive to the changing needs of students and society while preserving the integrity of a core curriculum based in the liberal arts and sciences.” Published in numerous refereed journals, Clark was also one of the principal investigators for the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Gear Up Partnership Grant, which was awarded to Southeastern in May 2001 for $13.6 million. Clark has served on a number of University committees, including faculty senate, planning and resource council, administrative council, NCA steering committee, mission statement review committee, student conduct committee, and the academic policies committee, among others.

Clark has worked with other faculty members to develop new programs at Southeastern, including the Bachelor of Science in biotechnology and a Bachelor of Science and a minor degree program in environmental science.