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Jimmy Clarke Named Executive Director of New ACT Center for College and Career Success
James S. “Jimmy” Clarke has been named executive director of the newly formed ACT Center for College and Career Success.
James S. Clarke
Clarke led the development and rollout of the center, a critically important resource in support of state and national educational initiatives. He is working with experts from across the country on issues concerning educational policy and practice based on ACT’s research. He also is helping to advance best practices and proven reforms related to the company’s mission of helping people achieve education and workplace success.
“We were incredibly fortunate to secure the talents and experience of someone of Jimmy’s caliber,” said Cynthia B. Schmeiser, president and chief operating officer, ACT education division. “He came to ACT with a perfect blend of experience, vision, and professionalism. We could not be in better hands in terms of building and launching a powerful center.”
Clarke, who officially joined ACT in April, is well known in state and national P–16 circles. He has been an active contributor to ACT as a member of the ACT Education Advisory Board.
“I am extremely pleased to be joining the ACT team in the development of the ACT Center for College and Career Success,” said Clarke. “It is an extraordinary opportunity. I look forward to helping expand ACT’s capacity to respond to major issues and needs in the P–16 community by identifying and supporting good educational policy and practice at all levels of governance.”
Clarke brings a diverse range of experience to the position. He most recently served as chief of staff for Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco. His background includes serving as deputy commissioner for academic and student affairs for the Louisiana Board of Regents, acting chancellor of the Louisiana Technical College, and dean of enrollment management at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California at Santa Barbara and both a master’s degree in educational leadership and a doctorate from Louisiana State University.
