Clark attended the Naval Academy Prep School from 1979 to 1980. He began the United States Naval Academy in 1980, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. He was one of only forty midshipmen in a graduating class of 1,006 members to receive a Letter of Commendation for leadership. Clark attended Naval Postgraduate School from 1989 to 1991. There, he earned a Master of Science in National Security Affairs. Clark was awarded the Naval Institute Award for his thesis. In 2005, Clark attended the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School on Executive management.
Naval career
Clark was the Commanding Officer of the in Groton, Connecticut from August 2001 to September 2003. During his command, the Connecticut operated in two Arctic ice pack missions as well as deployment to the North Atlantic. The Connecticut was awarded Submarine Squadron FOUR Tactical "T's" in recognition of tactical and operational excellence in 2001 and 2002. The Connecticut was also awarded retention Honor Roll awards and unit awards recognizing Connecticuts performance during operations to the National Security of the United States. From October 2003 to June 2005, Clark was the Branch Head for Plans, Liaison and Assessments, which is the senior special assistant to the Director of Submarine Warfare. In his next role, Clark was Deputy Executive Assistant and Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from June 2005 to April 2008 in Washington, D.C. From June 2008 to April 2010, Clark was Commodore for Submarine Squadron FOUR in Groton, Connecticut. Clark was the 84th Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy from April 2010 to May 2013. He is the longest serving Commandant in the Naval Academy's history.
Education administrator
As Clark transitioned from active duty to civilian life, he became the Joint Service Coordinator for the Pennsylvania State University from July 2013 to June 2015. Clark has served as President of Wesley College in Dover, Delaware since July 15, 2015.
Awards
David Lloyd Award for Tactical Excellence & Leadership