A.C. Clark was the acting president for Dr. Charles Sattgast as he was on leave during WWII from 1942-1946 and again from April 1- Sept. 1 in 1964 after Sattgast’s death.

Born in 1896, Clark grew up in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He studied Social Studies at Ellsworth College in his hometown, earning his Bachelors Degree in 1916. In 1923, he earned his Master’s at Columbia University. Shortly before his time as president at Bemidji State, Clark furthered his education, earning a doctorate degree in Social Sciences at the University of Southern California in 1941. A.C. Clark spent his career teaching and administrating in Minnesota. He taught at Mankato High School, Ely Junior Colleges and even served as principal at New Ulm High School. While at Bemidji State, Clark served as a social science instructor, chairman in the division of social sciences, director of publicity, placement, and public relations, vice president and finally, president. He retired in 1964 and passed away on November 5, 1966.

The A.C. Clark Library was built in 1966 and majorly remodeled in 1998-1999. In 1999, David Wilson a New York Artist added a 4′ x 24′ piece of architectural glass to the entrance. The A.C. Clark library is set to receive improved access to updated library services and relocation of student support services to the main reference level, renovation of the geography map library, classroom and computer lab, updates to the library’s reference area and creation of a tutoring center.