SCOTT GULLEDGE / Scroll
President Kim B. Clark spends much of his time meeting with individuals and conducting meetings.

A day in the life of President Clark

Erin Pitcher ZAN04001@BYUI.EDU Campus Asst. Editor

“Dad, what do you actually do at work?” his children asked when President Kim B. Clark was employed at Harvard University. “Come with me and see,” he would respond.

 Now as president of BYU-Idaho, President Clark’s children ask the same question. To answer their question, he sums up his responsibilities in three phrases: attending meetings, speaking to groups and talking with individuals.

“I sit in my office by the [presidential] reception area and watch almost a non-stop stream of people going in to meet with President Clark,” said Student Life Vice President Jim Gee. “Everyone from students and employees to people from the community and other universities come to meet with President Clark.”

President Clark’s duties extend beyond meetings and interviews during the day. He and his wife, Sue, usually spend three or four nights weekly hosting special dinners, receptions, firesides and Home Evening groups.

There’s just no such thing as a typical day for me,” President Clark said.

When he is not on the job he enjoys cooking, although he admits having a “limited repertoire.”

Many evenings he will spend preparing talks, in preparation for the estimated 100 speeches he will give this year.

Despite his eventful work schedule, President Clark said he feels this is the easiest time in his married life to balance family and work.

When he was dean of the Harvard Business School, he and his wife had five children at home and were helping take care of two teenagers. While Sue was holding down the fort at home, President Clark was fulfilling his work obligations.

“Now Sue and I are able to go and do most things together,” President Clark said.

Regardless of other demands, President Clark is adamant that gospel essentials are not overlooked.

“Build the architecture of a righteous life into your schedules,” he said. “Decide those things in life that have eternal significance to you and make them structured.”

President Clark explained that such things include not only personal, but also family scripture study, prayer and Home Evening.

He said the one question we should never, ever hear in our homes is ‘When shall we have Home Evening … family prayer, … scripture study? Make those events solid and have everything else conform around them.”

President Clark applies gospel principles in his position as university president.

“He has vision and understanding that helps him comprehend the big picture quickly,” said Advancement Vice President Garth Hall. “However, as bright and intelligent as President Clark is, I don’t think he relies solely on himself…He knows that ultimately you have to rely on the Spirit. He attends the temple weekly just for that purpose.”