Time spent researching may have prevented Clarkfrom assuming management responsibilities whichwould have better prepared him for the deanship,observers said.

Of the four leading candidates identified byBusiness School faculty, Clark has held the fewestnumber of administrative positions.

"People who get appointed to administrativepositions are appointed because they can do thejob," said a professor who spoke on condition ofanonymity.

But other faculty members said lack ofexperience will not hurt Clark's chances of beingnamed dean.

"He probably hasn't worked as closely with arange of people as Cash has, but he's equallyrespected," Hayes said.

According to professors interviewed by TheCrimson, Clark has more than fulfilled theleadership roles he has held.

"The [Technology and Operations Management]Area has enormous respect and has prospered under[Clark's] leadership," said a professor whorequested anonymity.

"[Clark] is very quick and efficient andeffective in responding to colleagues [about theirconcerns]," the professor added.

And Clark has a valid excuse for having heldfewer administrative positions than the otherrumored leading candidates, faculty members said.

"He doesn't have the [same] administrativeexperience because he [teaches] a full courseload," Hayes said.

One professor said he thinks Clark'sinexperience will actually help him in the contestfor the deanship.

"People who...have power and responsibilityhave lots of influence, but make enemies," saidthe professor, who predicted that Clark would benamed the next dean.

McArthur recently appointed Clark second-yearMBA program chair. Clark's duties as chair willinclude overseeing changes to the electivecurriculum and directing the field studies andinternship programs.

Background

A Harvard veteran, Clark earned B.A., M.A. andPh.D. degrees in economics at the University. Hehas taught here since 1978.

Clark, who lives in Belmont, coaches basketballfor middle school students in the BelmontRecreational League. He and his wife Sue haveseven children, including a pair of ten-year-oldtwins.

Clark is an avid golfer and jogs regularly,according to a biographical sketch.

This is the second in a series of fourprofiles of candidates for the Business Schooldeanship.