On its face, a provost is simply a senior academic administrator, but for John Magee, Clark’s newly appointed interim provost, the job is much more than a title. As he puts it, it’s about juggling “all the components of academics” to create an environment where student learning thrives.
Magee first came to Clark as a professor in 2011 and has served the University in both faculty and administrative positions. Each one, he says, prepared him to take on the interconnected, wide-ranging duties of the provost’s office. A proud “Clarkie” through and through, Magee’s focus remains firmly on one thing: student success.
While Magee might be more comfortable in a button-down shirt than a suit and tie, his passion for Clark’s mission is clear. Whether overseeing undergraduate programs, supporting faculty, or fostering a culture of inclusivity, Magee’s says his vision for the future of Clark University is rooted in the belief that higher education is about more than just preparing students for jobs—it’s about teaching them how to learn, and to adapt, for whatever comes next.
Career Path and Current Role:
Magee’s career at Clark began in 2011 when he joined as a professor in the Math and Computer Science Department. In 2020, Clark created a standalone Computer Science Department, which Magee chaired until the Spring 2024 semester. He applied for the position of dean, a role that deepened his administrative experience.
In September, Magee was appointed as interim provost after Sebastian Royo stepped down temporarily for health reasons . Magee credits his path as one that has evolved through “compartmentalized responsibilities” in teaching, research, and advising.
As interim provost, Magee explains that his work brings together “all the components of the academics,” as he collaborates with deans and department chairs to create an environment that fosters student learning. His focus is to “enable student learning,” emphasizing that while Clark offers resources and a structured educational setting, it is ultimately up to students to engage
fully in these opportunities. This administrative role spans multiple areas of student life, including oversight of the undergraduate college, graduate programs, professional studies, research, and student life.
Challenges in Higher Education:
Reflecting on the challenges facing higher education, Magee points to shifts in public perception and affordability. He recognizes that the rising costs of higher education can put it out of reach for some students, but he remains a firm believer in the value that higher education, and particularly a liberal arts education at Clark, can offer.
“We’re not training you to do a specific job,” he said, noting Clark’s emphasis on “learning how to learn” as a crucial skill for lifelong adaptability in diverse careers. According to Magee, Clark graduates develop a well-rounded skill set that makes them highly adaptable in the workforce.
When it comes to tuition, Magee is keenly aware of concerns about its rise and strives to balance these realities with financial aid. He notes that while Clark’s tuition increases have been
moderate compared to other institutions, the administration continuously works to support students through substantial financial aid. Looking ahead, he hopes Clark can continue to expand financial resources to make education accessible to a more diverse group of students.
Addressing Campus Activism and Inclusivity:
In recent months, Magee has witnessed student activism on campus, particularly around issues concerning global events like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He values the importance of upholding everyone’s rights, including the right to protest, while ensuring that students’ educational needs are met. Magee acknowledges that balancing these rights requires respect from all sides, and he encourages open expression and dialogue without disrupting the learning environment.
Future Directions and Enrollment Trends:
Looking to the future, Magee highlights demographic shifts affecting college enrollments, especially a decline in the Northeast. This trend, coupled with a lower birth rate in the aftermath of the 2008 Financial Crisis, has prompted Clark to anticipate slightly smaller incoming classes in the coming years. While the applicant pool has increased due to the availability of the Common Application, Clark’s acceptance rate has become more competitive. However, Magee says that the overall number of students has remained stable.
Passion for Technology and Community Spaces:
Outside his administrative duties, Magee is deeply passionate about how technology impacts people’s lives, especially those with disabilities. He reflects on the significance of his work in computer science, where his interests span from assistive technology to the effects of social media on attention spans. In addition to his academic pursuits, Magee played a significant role in the design of Clark’s MACD building, a student-centered space with collaborative areas and a newly launched makerspace, which includes resources like 3D printing and sewing.
John Magee’s journey from professor to Interim Provost has been one of increasing responsibility and influence at Clark University. His focus on inclusivity, learning accessibility, and fostering student engagement reflects his dedication to creating an academic environment where students thrive. As Clark looks to the future, Magee’s vision for inclusive, adaptable education seeks to guide the institution forward.
