Profile Story

Interviews

Clarke Stroud

Vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students

cstroud@ou.edu

Tuesday, March 9

Nanette Hathaway

Advisor to PLC and Crimson Club

nshadid@ou.edu

(405) 570-6626

Monday, March 22

Katie Fox

UOSA president

katiefox@ou.edu

(281) 460-2430

Wednesday, March 10

Sources

http://sa.ou.edu/content/view/3/41/

Laney Ellisor

JMC 2033-011

Feature Story (Profile)

Vice president for Student Affairs. Dean of students. Charismatic. Energetic. Loud. Bold. A character. Whatever you call him, Clarke Stroud is a household name among University of Oklahoma students.

Stroud is most often recognized as the bow tie guy or by the Clarke Stroud Panini sold at Crossroads in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Stroud said he chose this panini because it's healthy with a little sass. "I go hold the onions," he said.

When asked to explain his affinity for bow ties, Stroud said he copied a friend in the '90s. He bought his first tie at Harold's on Campus Corner. He said it felt a little awkward at first, but now it's his signature. Why not when "it's the easiest of the loop knots"?

It's not surprising that a funny guy like this is a member of an improvisational comedy troupe. What is surprising, however, is what a serious and important job he actually holds. "Everything I do is my job," said Stroud. This includes writing a co-curricular policy and the current alcohol policy, working with Programming, and maintaining a $61 million budget.

The budget facet of the job is stressful because the Regents don't permit deficits, but Stroud said he has many experts helping him. He has to make tough cutting decisions. Stroud has only had to go through one lay off, which he said was the hardest thing he's ever done.

So how did Stroud end up in this demanding job? After graduating from OU, Stroud said he had no intentions of returning. He went to Europe and then landed in Chicago. Then one day he called an old boss and was offered a graduate position. It was the beginning of a long and successful career at OU.

Stroud said his current job is perfect and that he has no intentions of leaving it. The best part is working with students. Stroud is involved with numerous student organizations, including the prestigious President's Leadership Class, which he was not a part of during his time as a student, a source of displeasure to him and a running joke among PLCers.

"It's amazing how quickly Clarke can remember names and detailed information about students he's just met," said Nanette Hathaway, Stroud's co-advisor to PLC. Hathaway said Stroud is kind and fair as vice president and a great resource for students.

"It's all about communicating," said Stroud humbly. He worries that interpersonal communication isn't a premium anymore. To combat this worry, Stroud set up an opportunity for any and all OU students to come talk to him: Coffee with Clarke. These informal meetings take place early mornings in the student union and are advertised by flyers.

One particular student Stroud works with is Katie Fox, University of Oklahoma Student Association president. Fox said Stroud meets with her and other campus executives weekly, which she said is extremely rewarding. "He never pushes an agenda," said Fox.

Working under President David L. Boren allows Stroud to be mentored by a man he describes as "unbelievable." "He's got vision," said Stroud. Their only problem lies in one of Stroud's many eccentricities: "I like to yell out my window," said Stroud. Apparently, Boren doesn't appreciate this efficient way to converse with passers-by.

Like President Boren, Stroud is an extremely active philanthropist. He serves on the board of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority and on the Citizens Committee, which oversees the construction of the Cleveland County Jail. Stroud has twice coordinated the United Way campaign for OU and is coordinator of the Lincoln Elementary Watch D.O.G.S. program. He also serves on the Second Chance Animal Sanctuary board of directors and is a member of Norman Rotary Club and Leadership Norman. Stroud wants to be remembered as "somebody who cares."

For fun, Stroud does a lot of public speaking and particularly enjoys emceeing. He also coaches for the Norman Youth Soccer Association. He relaxes by spending time with his wife Robin and his two children. No matter how taxing his job can be, Stroud remains the light-hearted guy who fist-bumps instead of hand-shakes.

Stroud said his motto is Gandhi's "be the change you want to see in the world," and it seems he's doing just that.