Lecturer of Computer and Information Technology, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology
June 12, 1969 - April 19, 2014
Passed by the IUPUI Faculty Council at their meeting on September 2, 2014.
It is with great sadness that the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology announces the passing of Jerome A. Clark, who died suddenly on April 19, 2014.
Jerome Clark, born June 12, 1969 in Indianapolis, IN, was a Lecturer and faculty member for 15 years in the Department of Computer Information and Graphics Technology. Jerome graduated from Broad Ripple High School and attended IUPUI receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Technology. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Leadership and Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and another Bachelor’s degree in Ministry with an emphasis on Biblical Counseling and Pastoral Ministries form Crossroads Bible College.
As a faculty member in CIT, Jerome Clark was a beloved teacher and friend to countless students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the local Indianapolis community.
While at IUPUI, Jerome’s number one focus was always the students. He took an interest in their academic success as well as their personal success. Jerome was our advisor in residence, performing counseling and teaching life lessons not only as a faculty member, but also as a tremendous mentor and role model --especially to minority students. Jerome took a personal interest in ensuring that students become contributing members of society.
During his career, he received numerous awards for his teaching, including the IUPUI Outstanding Teaching Award, and was voted Best Teacher by the students in the school. To enhance his professional growth and complement his career, Jerome was active in several professional organizations, such as the National Society of Black Engineers and the AdvisingNet group at IUPUI.
One student posted the following on his Facebook page: “Jerome Clark was, to be frank, the best CIT professor I've ever had, and quite possibly ever will have. He had a way of teaching you a subject, without actually giving you the answers. That's something that you just don't see too much of anymore. He was a man with morals, a great sense of humor, and a friend to any and all.… I remember countless days of walking into class with his signature phrase "Hey buddy".... He had a way of keeping you engaged and entertained at the same time. It was genius. I retained more knowledge from the two classes I took from him, than I have in any class I have ever taken, and it's simply because of how he attacked the material. Jerome taught his class the way he learned it, and taught with a tenacity that I would expect out of someone who was fresh out of school…. He's up in Heaven right now, busy rebuilding the database server, and creating a new GUI to view it.”
Outside of the university, Jerome occasionally taught classes at Indiana Wesleyan and Crossroads Bible College. However, in the community, he was Rev. Jerome Clark of the Loving Missionary Baptist Church and a beloved member of the religious community. Indeed, 6 pastors spoke at his funeral and more than 700 people attended to honor him.
Most importantly, Jerome was a faithful and devoted son, brother, husband, and father. He is survived by his parents; his wife, Artricia; five children: Gordon, Aaron, D'Kayla, Megan, and Amanda; 1 granddaughter, 1 brother, and 2 sisters.
THUS, BE IT RESOLVED: that this memorial resolution be adopted by the Faculty Senate of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI and placed in the school’s minutes and its permanent archives; that a copy of this memorial resolution be delivered to his family. This memorial resolution also will be placed in the minutes of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Faculty Council with a moment of silence observed in his honor.
This resolution is written by the staff and faculty of the Department of Computer Information and Graphics Technology, Purdue School of Engineering and Technology.