As the new academic year commences, the School of Law announces a newly created position: Assistant Dean of Belonging and Inclusion. With a wealth of experience and expertise in the field, Dr. Christopher Clarke has been named to the post.
"I am grateful to Dean Yellen and the search committee for the opportunity to serve in this inaugural role," said Clarke. "I have always prioritized building strong relationships with University stakeholders, assessing the great work already being done, and adding value wherever I can. I intend on using this same approach to create a comprehensive plan that advances belonging and inclusion at the School of Law."
The Hollywood, Florida, native's role at the School of Law will be to help support and guide students from diverse backgrounds and historically underrepresented groups. He will work closely with students, faculty, and staff across the school to develop appropriate programs. He may also teach in his areas of expertise as an adjunct faculty member.
Clarke will report to the dean and serve on his senior leadership team.
As the director of multicultural student affairs at UM, Clarke provided services and programs for students from diverse backgrounds. During his tenure, Chris expanded student organizations advising, established mental health affinity groups, and collaborated with campus partners to implement campus-wide programs and services to improve belonging for enrolled students.
Before joining UM, Clarke served as the inaugural director of diversity and inclusion at the University of Chicago Law School and has served at the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois at Chicago in similar capacities. Clarke has been recognized twice as a 40 Under 40 Higher Ed Administrator. He was named the 2022 Administrator of the Year by the UM Toppel Career Center and was recognized as the 2023 Patricia A. Whitely Unsung Hero by UM Student Government.
The football and indoor track collegiate athlete received his B.A. in educational studies and justice & public policy from Concordia University Wisconsin and his Master of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. He recently received his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Miami School of Education and Human Development. Clarke has also been a professional University of Michigan Health Management & Policy Department instructor. He has led seminars on inclusive leadership, belonging, mental health and well-being, and dismantling systematic barriers within higher education.
"I am confident that Chris' work will help enhance the experience of all of our students at Miami Law," said David Yellen, dean and M. Minnette Massey Professor of Law., in an email to the community. "I would like to thank the members of the search committee who worked with me. We had an outstanding pool of applicants, and we were delighted that Chris was interested in joining the School of Law. Please join me in welcoming him!"
