Meet the New Minett Professor | November 2019

Former Urban League Head named Minett Professor
William Clark ‘84’MBA (SCB) will focus on leadership

He could be out on the links, playing the game he dearly loves.
But instead of a lot of golf this year, William Clark has decided to spend some of that time linking up with students at Rochester Institute of Technology.
He is the newest Frederick H. Minett Professor at RIT, appointed by President David Munson to serve during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Clark is the former president and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester. He recently retired in June after 37 years with the organization.
The Urban League offers a myriad of programs focusing on education, economic development and entrepreneurship and civil rights.
As RIT’s 28th Minett Professor, Clark hopes to do a lot of what he has always done—find ways to empower others.

“The Urban League has always had a good relationship with RIT, working with the organization and urban schools to prepare students for the advantages of college. I want to continue that by helping to build strong leaders,” he says.

Clark earned his MBA at RIT in 1984. He looks forward to returning to campus.

“I want to be put to work where I’m requested and focus on leadership, management, mentoring, maybe even co-teach a class.”

The Minett Professorship was established in 1991 to bring distinguished Rochester area multicultural professionals to the RIT campus to share their expertise with students, faculty and staff for one academic year. The position is named for Frederick H. Minett, who owned a Rochester based tool and die company in the 1920’s. He died in 1971 and endowed more than $5 million to the university.

“I am humbled to serve in this role at RIT,” adds Clark.