Remembering Dr. Donald Clark, founding member of CEHD

Dr. Donald Clark

Dr. Donald Lee Clark, 87, professor emeritus and founding member of the College of Education and Human Development, passed away on July 17.

Clark was born in 1931 in Holyoke, Colorado, but grew up in Wisconsin. He received his bachelor’s and master’s from Stout State College, now University of Wisconsin – Stout, before receiving his doctoral degree from Ohio State University in 1967.

Clark moved to Bryan and began his career at Texas A&M starting as an associate professor of industrial education in 1967. He became head of the Department of Industrial, Vocational & Technical Education in 1988. He retired in 1996, after serving nearly 30 years as a professor at Texas A&M.

Clark mentored many undergraduate and graduate students, serving as a chair for more than 50 doctoral students. He secured numerous grants and contracts as associate dean for research from 1970 to 1983, through which new educational concepts were explored and support was provided for graduate students.

For nearly 50 years, Clark was a pillar in the Bryan community. As a master craftsman, he spent his free time giving back through Flags Across Bryan, First United Methodist Church of Bryan, Habitat for Humanity, Elder Aid and the United Methodist Mission projects.

Clark’s grandson, Bryan Clark, said as a driver’s education teacher, his grandfather enjoyed teaching his sons and grandchildren how to drive. “Over the course of his lifetime, he was proud to have driven in all 50 states, 48 of them in his own car,” Bryan Clark said. “Dr. Clark also traveled internationally and often opened his home to foreign students at Texas A&M to welcome them and make them feel comfortable.”

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, and a memorial service is set for 1 p.m. on Aug. 10, both at First United Methodist Church, 506 E. 28th St., Bryan, Texas.