Thomas Clark, executive director of the Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics, served in the Marine Corps for 30 years. Clark discusses the leadership skills he gained in the Marine Corps and how they reinforced what he was taught as a student at The Citadel.
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps from 1985 to 2015
Rank: Colonel
Current role at The Citadel: Executive director at the Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics
How many years have you been at The Citadel? 7 years
What year did you graduate from The Citadel? I graduated in 1985 and studied mathematics and computer science
What was the most defining moment during your service? My most defining moment during military service was the privilege of leading Marines in combat in the Middle East.
What does being a veteran mean you? Being a veteran means that someone has served the nation in the military and has paid back a small portion of the debt each of us owes for citizenship. There are many ways to serve, but being military service is one of the most demanding. Being a veteran also means being held to a higher standard of performance and conduct by society.
Why did you choose to work at The Citadel? I chose to work at The Citadel so I could work with cadets and help them learn principled leadership. As principled leaders, our graduates have the opportunity to change the world.
What leadership qualities did you learn in the military that have helped guide you through your career/life? The leadership I learned in the military simply reinforced what I learned at The Citadel as a cadet – work hard and try to do your best; when given the opportunity, play hard; and always do the right thing.
Charlie Coe, ’73, given the 2024 Krause Center Award for Distinguished Service, Leadership and Ethics
Cadets help improve the North Charleston Dental Outreach clinic during Leadership Day
Cadets give back during The Citadel’s Class of 1979 Leadership Day
