Priscilla Clarkson, the interim dean of Commonwealth College since 2006, was named the new permanent dean this past June.
“I look forward to working with Commonwealth College’s first-rate staff and faculty to create a new vision that will attract academically talented students from all backgrounds,” said Clarkson. “It is an exciting opportunity to help these highly motivated students develop the scholarship, creativity, citizenship and leadership skills necessary to address the complex problems of society.”
Clarkson has worked at the University of Massachusetts since 1977, when she began teaching kinesiology, and has also been the associate dean in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. Before joining the faculty Clarkson was a student at UMass, earning a bachelor’s degree in zoology in 1969, a master’s in zoology and marine science in 1973 and a doctorate in exercise science and human movement in 1977.
She feels that level of familiarity with the UMass campus, as both a professor and a student, will help her develop a curriculum and extra-curricular activities to meet the needs of honors students and maximize their academic experiences.
“I know what it is like to be a student at a large university, and I know what it is like to teach students at a large university,” said Clarkson. “I am aware of the many challenges that students face financially, academically and socially. I want Commonwealth College to be a community of scholars where students can maximize and enrich their learning experiences.”
She has only been the dean of Commonwealth College for a little over two months, but Clarkson is already making her mark. She has established a strategic planning committee to examine the current curriculum and plan for the future.
“We are considering offering interesting freshman seminars that will engage students and pique their curiosity from the start, and increasing community service learning experiences, such as working with grade-school children in fun after-school programs that will give disadvantaged children a ‘vision’ for college,” she said.
Charlena Seymour, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, announced Clarkson’s ascension in June, calling Clarkson “ideally suited to lead the Commonwealth College.”
“Priscilla Clarkson has a long and distinguished history of academic achievement, research and collaboration on the Amherst campus and will bring her experience and skills to this very important academic and administrative post,” Seymour said.
Clarkson has held many distinguished leadership positions in the field of kinesiology. She has served as the national president and vice president of the American College of Sports Medicine, as well as president of the ACSM Foundation, which helps generate fundraising for research and other endeavors of the college.
A former editor of the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism for eight years, Clarkson is currently the editor-in-chief of Exercise and Sports Science Reviews, a quarterly journal reviewing current scientific and medical-based topics in sports medicine and exercise science, according to their Web site.
She has also been a scientific advisor to the International Life Sciences Institute, as well a member of the NCAA Competitive and Medical Safeguards Committee, the National Commission on Sports and Substance Abuse, and the Committee on Military Nutrition at the Institute of Medicine.
Clarkson believes the leadership roles she has taken on in the field of kinesiology have helped prepare her for the challenges that come with being the dean of Commonwealth College.
“Leadership skills are necessary to move any agenda forward. I have learned how to listen, how to negotiate, how to make difficult decisions, and how to interact with many types of constituencies,” she said. “Moreover, these positions have helped me hone organizational skills and realize the value of hard work and dedication.”
Clarkson also credits her love of ballet and her work with Pioneer Valley Ballet in helping her develop the characteristics needed to become an effective leader.
“For almost 25 years, I served as a volunteer on the board of directors [of Pioneer Valley Ballet] as well as served as a choreographer for children’s ballets,” said Clarkson. “These experiences enlightened me to the value of serving the community and also provided me the opportunity to be creative. My ballet training was instrumental in developing my strong sense of discipline.”
Clarkson wants students to know that her door is always open for them and she would love to hear from them.
“I am always open to hearing from the students – what they like, what they don’t like, what they would like to see happen or not happen,” said Clarkson. “If students have ideas or thoughts they would like to share with me directly, they can always e-mail me: [email protected].”
Andy Smith can be reached at [email protected].
