School of Education Announces 2023 Alumni Merit Award Winner: H. Eric Clark, Ed.D.

06/06/2023

The Saint Louis University School of Education is pleased to name H. Eric Clark, Ed.D., the recipient of this year’s Alumni Merit Award.

Every year, SLU recognizes outstanding graduates of each school or college through the Alumni Merit Awards. The award is bestowed on alumni for notable achievements in their profession, community involvement, and dedication to a life that embodies the Saint Louis University mission.

Clark’s mission is to end the cycle of poverty through education. 

For the past 15 years, he has served as president of Loyola Academy of St. Louis, a Jesuit middle school designed to help economically disadvantaged, academically gifted boys reach their full potential. Clark grounds his programs in the Ignatian tradition of service to others.

Clark learned the value of a Jesuit education at a young age. His single mother enrolled him in Saint Louis University High School (SLUH), where an anonymous donor covered most of his tuition. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology, Clark worked for the City of St. Louis Board of Election Commissions. He stayed connected to SLUH by helping the school formulate an action plan to attract and retain students and staff of color. SLUH hired Clark as director of diversity in 1992. He later served as assistant principal and dean of students.

In 2008, SLUH’s president reminded Clark that Jesuit educators are called to push themselves, not settle. He encouraged Clark to take a position with Loyola Academy where Clark began as principal and then became president.

Clark sees Loyola as the embodiment of a Jesuit education. “Jesus walked among the marginalized, and that is what we are called to do,” he said.

I’m honored to be a part of that – encouraging these young men in their rawest form and turning them into gems, leaders in their community and the world.”

H. Eric Clark, Ed.D.

Clark is a recipient of SLUH’s prestigious Backer Award, the highest honor granted by the school. His other honors include the Benjamin Lawson Hooks Exceptional Educator Award from the St. Louis County NAACP Youth Council. Clark is a mentor to many, including students in the School of Education's Billiken Teacher Corps. 

For more information about Saint Louis University’s School of Education, please call 314-977-3292 or visit the website.