John E. Bassett, president of Clark University in Worcester, will leave the position July 1, he announced today.
Bassett, 67, has worked for the university for 10 years and was made president in 2001. In that time, the university’s endowment has increased from $152 million to $240 million and annual endowment income has grown from $5.8 million to $13 million, according to the university.
More than half of Clark’s current faculty began working at the university during Bassett’s term.
Prior to Clark, Bassett was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University for seven years. An American literature expert, Bassett has published 11 books, including a recent biography of William Faulkner.
During Bassett’s tenure, Clark made significant improvements to its campus, added several programs to its curriculum and demonstrated a deep commitment to Worcester, especially the Main South neighborhood, where the university is located.
Although he set July 1 as his date of departure, university officials said Bassett will stay on until his replacement is named. A search committee will be formed.
