Working alongside President David L. Boren, Clarke’s role is to ensure co-curricular support for OU’s 30,000 students system wide. As an executive officer of the institution, Clarke is in daily contact with faculty, staff and most importantly students. Known for making caring connections with students, Clarke can often be found in the student union chatting with them over lunch or coffee.

As University Vice President, Clarke is responsible for approximately 800 employees reporting through 13 directors, and administering a budget of approximately $61 million annually. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Clarke teaches a seminar class each fall to new freshmen and regularly trains faculty and staff in cultural diversity through the OU Human Resource’s Foundations in Management Program.

Clarke oversees strategic planning and assessment in all areas of the division of Student Affairs including, Housing and Food Services, Student Life, Oklahoma Memorial Union, Career Services, Recreational Services, Leadership Development and Volunteerism, Judicial Services, Health Services, Health Sciences Center Student Affairs, OU Tulsa Student Affairs, Student Media and Disability Services. He is also a member of the Graduation and Retention Task Force and the University’s Threat Assessment Committee. Bridging administrative responsibilities with student life requires a unique and eclectic skill set. Clarke is continually striving to improve campus life at OU, whether it is through advising the student government leaders, having regular meetings with representatives from different organizations or taking a resident adviser’s dormitory floor to dinner. Of the many hats worn by Clarke, his ability to connect with students, work side-by-side with them and form lasting relationships are his most enduring strengths.

Clarke has been on staff at the University of Oklahoma since 1992, serving as assistant director of Housing and Food Services, director of the Oklahoma Memorial Union and in his current position. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education, both from the University of Oklahoma. A frequently invited emcee, Clarke offers his services to campus organizations and Norman charities. In 2008, Clarke was named the recipient of the Otis Sullivant Award for Perceptivity at OU.

An active philanthropist, Clarke currently serves on the Citizens Committee overseeing the construction of the new county jail in Cleveland County. He is also a member of Norman Rotary Club. Over the past 15 years, Clarke has served the community in a variety of ways including service on the Cleveland County CASA board of directors, Second Chance Animal Sanctuary board of directors, coordinator of the Lincoln Elementary Watch D.O.G.S. program, Leadership Norman, as well as twice serving as the co-coordinator of the United Way campaign for OU’s Norman campus. On a personal note, Clarke is a member of a local improvisational comedy troupe and coaches for the Norman Youth Soccer Association.

He is married to Robin Stroud, assistant to the executive vice president for administration and finance at OU and PhD student in educational studies. The couple lives in Norman with their two children, McKenna and Callahan.