Duke Leadership Academy Scholars Profile

Chris Clarke

Title: Associate Dean and Director Principle Gifts
Location:
Senior Management Area: Pratt School of Engineering
Class Year: 2012

Bio:
William Christopher "Chris" Clarke is associate dean and director of principal gifts for Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. The Pratt School raises approximately $35 - 40 M a year in private support and is currently in the midst of planning a $200M campaign in support of the school's strategic research and educational initiatives. Clarke was appointed to this position in October 2004. Previously, he was the director of development and leadership gifts for Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering, where he led their $125 M campaign. Prior to joining Mechanical Engineering, Clarke served Purdue as the associate director of planned giving from 1997 to 2001, when he became the associate director of development for major gifts. During 1999-2001, he served as the development liaison for Purdue's Black Cultural Center, one of the premier cultural centers in the nation. An active member of CASE, he served as the conference chair for the largest CASE district conference in the country in Chicago, IL in 2001. He currently serves as a member of CASE's southeastern region Board of Directors. Clarke holds a master's degree in education administration and a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, and law and society both from Purdue University. He is also completing his doctorate in higher education administration with a focus on institutional affinity and the socialization elements influencing philanthropy. In 2009, Clarke was the recipient of CASE's Crystal Apple Award for excellence in Teaching.