Dr. M. Graham Clark
The College of the Ozarks has a long and storied history. Begun in 1906 as the School of the Ozarks, it provides young people of the Ozarks with no financial resources an education. Students work in campus jobs in exchange for their tuition. Throughout the school's history, its presidents have sought to make this possible. The president who has taken this mission most to heart is Dr. Montague Graham Clark, dedicating his life to the school.
Clark was born on Feb. 25, 1909 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from the Georgia Technical School of Engineering and began a career in Atlanta. Clark always felt compelled to minister to others. While doing home mission work in Atlanta, he met Elizabeth Hoyt and fell in love. They were married on May 2, 1933.
Clark spent the next few years working in insurance and serving on numerous boards, committees, and civic groups. In 1946 he was convinced to leave his $40,000 a year job and come to the School of the Ozarks as vice-president for $3,000 a year. His friends suggested he see a psychiatrist, but Clark felt that S of O was where his mission work could be best accomplished. In 1952 Dr. Clark became president of the school, a position he held until 1981. Under his leadership the school began offering college classes, eventually leaving its high school roots behind to become a fully accredited four-year liberal arts college. But, the school never charged tuition. Clark's fund-raising abilities kept the school afloat and kept the mission of the school intact.
The Presbyterian Church ordained Clark a minister in 1950. One of his proudest accomplishments was the construction of a gothic church on campus, where he has preached many sermons and married many couples. He was President General of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, one of many offices he has held. He was an avid pilot and helped establish the school's airport, which is named in his honor. A metal plate inscribed with his name was placed on the moon by one of NASA's astronauts.
His activities have carried him many places but he always kept the school's interests closest to his heart. When he retired as President in 1981, Clark became Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus. Clark recently celebrated his 90th birthday with a campus-wide reception. He still presides at graduation and makes his home on campus. M. Graham Clark's dedication to the School/College of the Ozarks made it possible for many poor Ozarks natives to receive an education. His influence is felt worldwide.
Works Consulted
Godsey, Townsend. Unpublished manuscript. Ozarkiana Collection, Lyons Memorial Library. College of the Ozarks.
Photograph of M. Graham Clark from Godsey Collection, Lyons Memorial Library, College of the Ozarks.
