Clark University Executive and Leadership Team

Dan Hitchell, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Clark University, manages the entire fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Overseeing the university budget, Hitchell directs capital allocation strategies that support the LEEP model and various research initiatives. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to ensure financial transparency and operational efficiency across all departments. By optimizing endowment performance and institutional spending, Dan Hitchell secures the necessary resources for academic growth and campus infrastructure development. The Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer maintains rigorous oversight of administrative expenditures, ensuring alignment with the broader mission of addressing human imperatives. Through disciplined financial planning, Hitchell strengthens the university's capacity to invest in faculty research and student-centered programs, ultimately reinforcing the institution's competitive position within the higher education landscape.

Zachary Rutherford, the Co-President at Clark University, shares responsibility for the strategic direction and operational oversight of the university. Focusing on institutional advancement, Rutherford drives initiatives that expand the reach of the liberal arts curriculum and enhance the university's global reputation. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic deans to integrate world and workplace experiences into the core educational framework. By fostering partnerships with external stakeholders, Zachary Rutherford advances the university's commitment to solving complex social challenges. The Co-President monitors institutional performance metrics to ensure that academic programs remain responsive to evolving market demands and student needs. Through active engagement with the campus community, Rutherford promotes a culture of innovation and intellectual inquiry. This executive leadership ensures that the university continues to challenge convention while maintaining high standards of academic excellence and operational integrity across all research and teaching divisions.

Yu Kosaka, the President at Clark University, serves as the primary architect of the university's vision and long-term strategic goals. Directing the overall academic and administrative functions, Kosaka ensures that the institution remains a leader in liberal arts-based research. This leadership role involves guiding the faculty and staff toward the successful implementation of the LEEP model, which bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By championing interdisciplinary collaboration, Yu Kosaka facilitates groundbreaking research in fields ranging from environmental studies to international development. The President represents the university to external partners, donors, and the broader academic community, advocating for the institution's unique approach to higher education. Through consistent focus on student outcomes and social impact, Kosaka drives the university's mission to address human imperatives on a global scale, ensuring that the institution remains a transformative force in modern education.

Eliot Smith, the Golf Club President at Clark University, manages the operations and membership engagement for the university's golf organization. Overseeing club activities, Smith coordinates competitive events and practice sessions that promote student wellness and community building. This leadership role involves managing the club budget and securing resources for equipment and tournament participation. By fostering a collaborative environment, Eliot Smith encourages student participation in extracurricular athletics, which complements the university's focus on holistic development. The Golf Club President works closely with student affairs to ensure that all club activities align with university policies and safety standards. Through effective organization and outreach, Smith increases student involvement in campus life, providing valuable opportunities for leadership and teamwork. This role contributes to the vibrant student experience at the university, helping participants balance academic rigor with active engagement in recreational sports and community-based activities.

John Bassett, the President at Clark University, oversees the execution of institutional policies and the advancement of the university's academic mission. Focusing on administrative excellence, Bassett directs the efforts of various departments to ensure that the university's research and teaching objectives are met with precision. This leadership role involves managing internal governance and fostering a collaborative environment among faculty, staff, and students. By prioritizing the integration of liberal arts with effective practice, John Bassett strengthens the university's reputation as a hub for innovation and social change. The President monitors the progress of key strategic initiatives, ensuring that the institution remains dedicated to its motto of challenging convention. Through proactive management and clear communication, Bassett supports the university's commitment to addressing complex global challenges, ultimately enhancing the educational experience and ensuring that the institution continues to produce graduates capable of making a significant impact in the world.

Owen Chase, the Herban Gardeners Club President at Clark University, directs the operations and sustainability initiatives of the student-led gardening organization. Overseeing the maintenance of campus garden spaces, Chase coordinates planting schedules and educational workshops that promote environmental awareness. This leadership role involves managing club resources and facilitating collaboration with the environmental studies department to integrate practical agricultural experience into the student curriculum. By organizing community outreach events, Owen Chase encourages sustainable practices and fosters a deeper connection between students and the natural environment. The Herban Gardeners Club President ensures that all gardening activities adhere to campus sustainability goals, contributing to the university's broader mission of environmental stewardship. Through effective leadership and project management, Chase provides students with hands-on opportunities to engage with ecological issues, thereby enhancing the university's commitment to practical, experiential learning and community-based environmental action.

Meghan Burr, the Senior President at Clark University, manages the leadership activities and advocacy efforts for the senior student body. Overseeing class-wide initiatives, Burr coordinates events and programs that facilitate the transition from undergraduate studies to professional life. This leadership role involves representing senior interests to the university administration and ensuring that student concerns are addressed in institutional planning. By fostering a sense of community and school spirit, Meghan Burr enhances the overall student experience during the final year of study. The Senior President works with student government to organize graduation-related activities and alumni engagement opportunities, strengthening the connection between the university and its graduating class. Through effective communication and organizational skills, Burr supports the university's mission by preparing students to carry the values of liberal arts and effective practice into their future careers and global endeavors.

Kai Cecil, the Club President at Clark University, directs the operations and strategic planning for student-led organizations. Overseeing club governance, Cecil ensures that all activities comply with university regulations while promoting student engagement and leadership development. This leadership role involves managing club budgets, coordinating events, and facilitating collaboration between different student groups to foster a diverse and inclusive campus environment. By providing guidance to club members, Kai Cecil encourages the pursuit of extracurricular interests that complement the university's academic mission. The Club President works closely with the office of student engagement to align club activities with the university's broader goals of social and human impact. Through effective management and outreach, Cecil enhances the vibrancy of campus life, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop practical skills and build meaningful connections that extend beyond the classroom setting.

Shira Moskovitz, the Secretary To the President at Clark University, manages the administrative operations and communication flow for the Office of the President. Overseeing the scheduling and correspondence for the university leadership, Moskovitz ensures that the President remains focused on strategic priorities and institutional goals. This leadership role involves coordinating meetings with the Board of Trustees, faculty representatives, and external stakeholders to facilitate efficient decision-making. By maintaining organized records and managing sensitive information, Shira Moskovitz supports the effective functioning of the university's executive office. The Secretary To the President acts as a key liaison, ensuring that communication between the administration and the broader campus community remains transparent and consistent with the university's mission. Through meticulous attention to detail and professional support, Moskovitz enables the executive team to advance the university's commitment to liberal arts-based research and global social impact.

David Fithian, the Professor, Practice & SPS at Clark University, leads academic initiatives within the School of Professional Studies and oversees the integration of practice-based learning. Directing curriculum development, Fithian ensures that professional programs align with the university's liberal arts foundation and the LEEP model. This leadership role involves mentoring faculty and students to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional application in fields like management and urban education. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, David Fithian expands opportunities for students to engage in real-world projects that address complex societal challenges. The Professor, Practice & SPS monitors academic quality and student success metrics, ensuring that the school remains a vital contributor to the university's mission. Through rigorous teaching and strategic oversight, Fithian supports the development of professional skills that empower students to drive positive change in their respective fields and communities.