Fisk University has named Dr. Agenia Walker Clark as its next president, making her the third female to lead the institution in its 158-year history. Dr. Clark will assume her new role on November 6, 2023, replacing interim president Frank Sims. Fisk University is renowned as one of the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Dr. Clark brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Most recently, she served as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee for 19 years. During her tenure, she implemented operational efficiencies, increased reserves, and oversaw the construction of new facilities, leading the agency to become one of the top-performing Girl Scout councils in the network.
Juliette Pryor, chair of the Fisk Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Dr. Clark’s ability to make a positive impact on the university. Pryor highlighted Dr. Clark’s dedication to improving the lives of young people and her expertise in fundraising and brand-building, which aligns with Fisk’s needs.
Before her time at the Girl Scouts, Dr. Clark held various leadership positions. She served as the Vice President of Human Resources for the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation, Senior Director of Human Resources at Vanderbilt University, and played key roles in human resources and government relations at Nortel Networks, a Canadian telecommunications provider.
Dr. Clark expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve Fisk University and continue its rich legacy. She noted that the institution has a promising future and a history of nurturing brilliant, socially-minded students.
In addition to her new role at Fisk, Dr. Clark is actively involved in multiple organizations. She currently sits on the corporate board of directors for FirstBank Financial Corporation and serves on the boards of trustees for Belmont and Simmons Universities. She is also a trustee emerita at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Dr. Clark holds a Bachelor of Science and MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as well as a Doctorate in Leadership from Vanderbilt University. The year-long search for Fisk University’s 18th president was led by Board Trustee JoLinda Herring, in collaboration with executive search and leadership advisory firm, Russell Reynolds Associates. Pryor expressed the board’s confidence in Dr. Clark’s bold and visionary leadership.