Dr. David W. Clark, Palm Beach Atlantic University’s sixth president, announced his retirement Friday to the University’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Clark, 68, added that he intends to serve as president through the current academic year, June 30, 2009, to provide the trustees ample opportunity to conduct a search and identify his successor.

         “It has been a distinct honor to serve the PBA community. This season of service to the students, faculty, staff, trustees and friends of the University has been by far the most fulfilling, and at times, the most challenging of our lives,” Dr. Clark said, quoting from Ecclesiastes 1:3. “Lois and I have come to know and love so many here at PBA. We will miss so much about this wonderful University and Florida.”

        “Our Board of Trustees is grateful to Dr. Clark for the tremendous advancements PBA has achieved under his outstanding leadership,” said Board Chairman John P. Greene III. “Dr. Clark is committed to completing this academic year with the same vibrant energy he has consistently applied over the last five years and to a seamless transition as a change in leadership takes place.”

         During the past five years, the University has experienced significant growth with the completion of the 60,000 sq. ft. Warren Library Phase I, the acquisition of the 96-acres for development as athletic competition and intramural fields, and the establishment of the Wellington campus as well as a significant number of campus capital improvements.

         Known for his energy and enthusiasm, Dr. Clark supervised the reorganization of campus departments and led the University from intercollegiate athletic competition in NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II. His leadership was instrumental in the University attaining accreditation of the School of Nursing and the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy. During his term as president, the University unveiled a new strategic plan, Vision 2010, as well as a new campus master plan and an integrated marketing platform.

        The University is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its founding in 1968. Current enrollment, including traditional, adult evening and online students, is 3,225.

         Dr. Clark became the University’s sixth president on July 14, 2003, having served as president of the FamilyNet television network and vice president of the broadcast communications group of the North American Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Clark holds master’s and doctorate degrees in speech communication from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree in divinity from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in history from Evangel University.