Robert E. Clark II

Robert Edward Clark II is a retired officer of the United States Navy and the last President of Wesley College in Dover, Delaware.

Early life and education Clark was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and was raised in Howell, New Jersey; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and West Chester, Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Chester East High School. Clark attended Naval Postgraduate School from 1989 to 1991, earning a Master of Science degree in national security affairs (and received the Naval Institute Award for his thesis).

Education administrator Clark served as 17th and final president of Wesley College in Dover, Delaware, During his time as president, and despite decades of financial challenges and declining enrollment, State funding was secured which enabled the college to continue operations. Additionally, unlike many colleges across the country that have had to close because of the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Wesley College was able to maintain operations during the global COVID-19 Pandemic, which allowed the realization of a historic acquisition by Delaware State University in which Wesley College became the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.

On March 1, 2021, two months before the acquisition was finalized with Delaware State University, some members of the faculty published a no-confidence resolution against Clark that was forwarded to Wesley College's board of trustees. Wesley College's board of trustees voted unanimously on March 20, 2021, to dismiss the resolution in full support of President Clark’s exceptional performance, and leadership. Additionally, the board of trustees voted unanimously, to bestow upon President Clark the title president emeritus in recognition of his leadership, and service to the college and the community.

President Joe Biden appointed Clark to the United States Naval Academy's board of visitors, along with five other distinguished national leaders, on February 7, 2022.

Awards 2007 Inductee into the West Chester East High School Hall of Fame David Lloyd Award for Tactical Excellence & Leadership Naval Institute Award for Master's Thesis Legion of Merit - 5 Awards Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal - 2 Awards Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal - 6 Awards Joint Service Achievement Medal - 3 Awards Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal - 2 Awards Numerous Unit Awards