Mary Clark came to Polk State College after more than 10 years of service in the North Carolina Community College System.  Her work in continuing education includes the development of a Massage Therapy program that earned national designation as an assigned school for both its curriculum and continuing education programs.  Her work in institutional effectiveness includes two successful SACSCOC reaffirmations and her work in program review, faculty credentialing, and outcome assessment has been duplicated throughout North Carolina.  Before moving to North Carolina, she enjoyed a 15-year teaching career in public education.

Her professional career also includes working with students with disabilities and developing leadership and instructor academies for community colleges.  She has presented on higher education leadership at University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) and on creating a culture of assessment at Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

She is active in civic activities, serving as a charter member and president of the Kiwanis Club of the Crystal Coast.  Outside of her professional interests, she travels and enjoys the beach, golf, and tennis with her husband, three sons, and two grandsons.