Penn State Naval ROTC Commanding Officer, Robert E. Clark II, was announced as Wesley College’s next president today. Clark will take on the new role on July 15 as Wesley’s 17th president, succeeding William N. Johnston. Johnston, who served for seven years, will retire after a distinguished career in higher education lasting 42 years.

109 candidates were interviewed by a search committee co-chaired by Robert V.A. Harra Jr. and William and Strickland. However, Wesley’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously in favor of Clark. With more than 30 years of extensive leadership experience, Clark was seen as the best fit for this prestigious position.

“Mr. Clark’s innovative and collaborative leadership style is the perfect fit for Wesley College at this time in Wesley’s history,” said Board of Trustee Chair and Co-chair of the Search Committee Mr. Harra. “We welcome Bob and Ruth Ann Clark to Wesley and to Delaware.”

Clark, the former Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, will have served 30 plus years of distinguished service in the military when he retires this summer from the United States Navy to begin his work as Wesley College’s next president.

Clark has held multiple senior executive leadership positions such as the Commanding Officer of the USS Connecticut, the Commodore of Submarine Squadron Four, as well as the Joint Service Coordinator for Penn State. He also served on the University’s Undergraduate Education Leadership Council and has guest lectured on Leadership and Ethics at Penn State’s Leadership Academy, a branch of the Schreyer Honors College.

“I am very humbled and feel truly blessed to have been given the privilege of serving, and leading, the Wesley College family as their next president,” Clark said. “My wife, Ruth Ann, and I look forward to carrying on the legacy of selfless service and excellence that Bill and Susan Johnston have established at Wesley and in the surrounding communities.”