Students enjoyed a “First Day of Classes” photo booth to start the year. 

Campus News 

You could feel the energy on campus as new and returning students began their fall classes this week. Among them are 240 new-to-Clarke students, bringing first-year, transfer, and even international perspectives to our classrooms and activities. I hope you will all join me in welcoming them to Clarke! 

As part of CU Conference, our opening workshop for Clarke employees, we shared resources that can empower new and returning students. I want to highlight a few of these resources for the greater Clarke community because we all play a part in recruiting and retaining students:  

1. We’ve updated our Student Success App. This app allows faculty and other members of the Clarke community to more effectively communicate when they see a student struggling. The system alerts connect the student to the people and resources that can help, such as health and wellness, advising, or coaches. The app can also be used to give “kudos” and recognize a student for progress, demonstrating that their support network is always beside them. 
2. Bookmark our Academic and Event Calendars. Time management is one of the most valuable skills our students can develop—and one that we can all strive to improve upon! From our academic calendar for important dates to our campus events and athletics calendars for the social side of campus, planning ahead makes sure students get the most out of their college experience. Plus, as alumni, employees, and friends of Clarke, knowing these milestones allows us all to engage with students at key times in the college career and reinforce our own school spirit. 
3. Get to Know our Student Services Staff. At Clarke, we emphasize building support networks that go beyond the classroom. From the Writing Center, tutoring, and Career Services team in the Academic Support Center, to Residence Life, Student Engagement, and Safety & Security staff that cover all areas of campus, there is always someone to help. I encourage everyone to familiarize yourself with our campus resources. Whether you are on campus or feel an affinity from afar, understanding the work of these individuals gives you a window into life at Clarke.

Strategic Plan Update   

Fall 2025 is a critical time for many of the objectives under our 2025-2026 strategic plan. This comes in many forms, such as the facilities updates to our library and residence halls that contribute to student comfort, safety, and success, to deeper programmatic changes including a streamlined general education program and more mission-focused training for all students.  

An initiative that will shape the 2025-2026 academic year is our Move the Needle project with CREDO. This donor-funded two-year partnership focuses on improving student outcomes, including first year fall-to-fall retention rates, graduation rates, and the overall student experience. In turn, the project supports our employees through process maps, better resources allocation, and greater sharing of data for informed decision-making. Together, these efforts improve the Clarke experience for all. 

Living our Legacy Spotlight

Anthony King ’23, Coordinator for Campus Activities & Leadership, is in this volume’s spotlight. 

Living our legacy stems from our mission:  

Clarke University is a BVM Catholic academic community that believes learning is lifelong and life-changing. We inspire intellectual curiosity, cultural engagement, professional preparedness, spiritual exploration, and a commitment to contributing to the good of all in a global society.

After graduating from Clarke with a degree in Psychology in 2023, Anthony joined his alma mater as a member of the Engagement Office. Each year, Anthony brings entertaining and educational opportunities to Clarke that extend beyond the classroom and help foster a sense of community on campus. He also serves daily as a trusted mentor to many of the students at Clarke, helping them find their fit and pursue their passions. 

Along with Associate Dean of Student Affairs & Director of Engagement Will Hudson and CONNECT Coordinator Adeline Hickey ’25, Anthony was instrumental in the CONNECT Orientation sessions that welcomed first-year and transfer students to campus last week. His efforts to make students feel at home align with the BVM spirit of contributing to the good of all. 

Thank you, Anthony, for being a safe and welcoming presence for all students!  

Go Pride! 

Fletch

Visit our Newsroom webpage to learn more about all the great things happening on campus and in the wider community!

Clarke University

www.clarke.edu