Friday, May 12, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC -- The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina today approved the appointment of Lawrence S. Clark as dean of the Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington effective July 1.

Clark joins UNCW following six years as dean of the School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, Calif. While at Sonoma State, Clark developed a wine industry program providing specialized business training for winery managers. The program, which began in 1996, includes classes in wine industry accounting, wine marketing and introduction to wine business strategies.

"Dr. Clark brings to UNCW a long record of success and innovation in working with business and industry," said Dr. John Cavanaugh, UNCW provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "The excitement from the Cameron School of Business faculty and members of the school's advisory boards indicates a strong level of support which I expect will translate into an even closer connection between the Cameron school and the community."

The high quality of the university as well as the faculty and programs of UNCW's business school were factors in the decision to seek the dean's position, said Clark, adding that Wilmington's coastal location helped.

"I look forward to active involvement in the community," said Clark. "Wilmington is similar to Sonoma County. Both were listed among the country's quirkiest places to live which attracts a diverse population affecting economic growth. My more recent work is in sustainable growth, which requires communities to balance economic, environmental and social equity concerns to maintain progress. This will be beneficial in working with the university and greater Wilmington communities."

Prior to Sonoma State University, Clark was dean of the Louisiana State University-Shreveport College of Business Administration. He holds law degrees from the John Marshall Law School and DePaul University, Chicago Ill., and a bachelor's degree in economics/business administration from Knox College, Galesburg, Ill.

Media can contact Dr. Clark in California at 707/545-5878.