Worcester Will Miss Clark University President

Clark University President John Bassett announced he will be resigning from his position in July 2010.  John Bassett has not only elevated Clark University’s stature as an academic institution he also has shown a true commitment to the local Main South neighborhood in Worcester.

He recently appeared on a Chronicle episode talking about how Clark has worked with the city to improve the neighborhood where the university resides.

In the episode he highlights Clark’s involvement in the University Park Partnership which focuses on:

Housing and physical rehabilitation
Education
Economic development
And social and recreational activities for neighborhood residents

They are also impressively putting their money where their mouth is by matching funds for faculty to buy houses locally.  Last but not least Clark established the University Park Campus School that graduates about 35 students a year, all are admitted to college.  Full tuition scholarships are also given to those that go to Clark.

Hopefully John Bassett’s absence will not affect the wonderful things that Clark University does for the neighborhood.  Though he has not announced his plans I would guess some writing might be involved since he is a published author.  His most recent work was on William Faulkner.  We wish him well.