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To the Clarke Community,
I’d like to open my first Presidential Newsletter to the Clarke Community with a message of gratitude. In the wake of one of the most difficult decisions in our institution’s history, many of you have reached out for better understanding, words of support, and a willingness to help navigate the road ahead.
While a range of emotions have understandably been a part of the process, there is an underlying compassion, kindness, and dedication to our mission and our students that leads us forward. I want to thank everyone—from faculty and staff to our students, families, alumni, friends, and community—for your willingness to engage and journey with us in this difficult and necessary work.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Fletcher Lamkin for his leadership over the past three years. When Fletch was appointed Interim President, the Board of Trustees entrusted him with the responsibility of laying a strong foundation for strategic initiatives that would ensure Clarke’s long-term sustainability. This was a complex and demanding process, which he approached with thoughtful skill. His efforts have helped set Clarke on a promising path for the future, and we are deeply grateful for his expertise and many contributions.
Throughout this time of transition, we have remained intentional in our communications with many stakeholders by offering opportunities for questions and feedback.
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- Clarke’s Student Association hosted a forum with me and other university leadership on Sunday, November 2, where over 55 students attended and were able to ask questions and share their thoughts and concerns about the announcement.
- On Tuesday, November 4, the Alumni Association Board gathered for a virtual meeting. We had a very thoughtful discussion and we have since engaged in numerous one-on-one conversations with alumni and supporters. Thank you for your support, questions, and ideas for the future.
- The Academic Affairs forum on November 5 also provided a Question & Answer session for faculty and staff, along with guidance on how Clarke is working with our accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission, to develop transition plans to assist all impacted students in finishing their degree. Some of this conversation was painful, and yet I continue to believe in the excellence of our teaching faculty and an outstanding, committed staff that are united in their deep care for Clarke.
- The Staff Assembly on November 12 allowed for dialogue around the changes, questions that are in the community, and how staff can continue to support students and colleagues.
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These conversations are providing the foundation for our work in creating individualized completion plans for every student impacted by these changes, as well as meaningful plans for the future. As part of this process, we recently announced that the Doctor of Nursing Practice program will be taught out through May 2028, so that all current students can complete their degree with Clarke.
As we work with other programs and students, we are exploring teach-out options, dual enrollment courses from neighboring institutions, class exemptions or substitutions, transfer agreements, and other pathways to see each student reach their goals. The outpouring of support from surrounding colleges and universities, offering to help and support Clarke in any way they can, has been incredibly encouraging and reminds me of the wisdom of the adage to cultivate and rely on community. There is no doubt that the community is showing up for Clarke.
To guide the curricular work ahead, we’ve also welcomed Dr. Jan Garfield as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. Dr. Garfield has done extensive consulting for Clarke since 2022, most notably her outstanding leadership in supporting our HLC assurance argument and reaffirmation of accreditation process in 2023–24. She brings to this role a wealth of higher education experience and insight that will serve us well.
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As we move forward, I am encouraged by the support Clarke community members are extending to one another. On Wednesday, a crowd of nearly one hundred attended a lively and gorgeous concert by Los Llaneros sponsored by the Dubuque Arts Council. On Friday, November 14, I hope many of you will attend the “Adorning the Hollow” Artist’s Reception in Quigley Gallery that will feature a ceramics exhibit with many artists’ work. Likewise, on November 22, you are warmly invited to cheer on Clarke's Lacrosse team as they host the Vietnam National team in an Olympic-style exhibition. Our community will also gather on Wednesday, November 26 in the Atrium where faculty and staff volunteers will serve a Thanksgiving meal for many of the students who are unable to travel home for the holidays. These are just a smattering of the many joyful campus events coming up in the near future.
Alternatively, other ways of showing support that I see are the simple moments with friends, colleagues, and mentors that take place in the halls of Clarke, moments of quiet reflection and prayer in Sacred Heart Chapel, and alumni reconnecting with us from afar. Our community has risen from difficult times before, thanks to our resilience and our determination to work unitedly. As we have been here for our students in the past, so must we continue to be here for them now, and in the days, weeks, and years to come.
Again, I thank you for all you’ve done—and continue to do—for Clarke. In spite of struggles, let us move boldly and with determination toward our desired future.
With gratitude and hope,
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Yvonne C. Zimmerman
Acting President
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