Dr. Karis Clarke is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Educational Leadership at Clark Atlanta University who works with leaders in the Educational Leadership Department to prepare them to work in diverse schools locally, nationally, and internationally. Karis is a passionate educator cultivating the growth and development of educators. For 15 years, Karis Clarke has driven the development of teacher education with oversight of training programs, instructional strategies, curriculum planning, and accreditation. As a leader and mentor, she fosters dynamic and high performing instructional environments to enhance the student experience and sustain retention. She further encouraged growth by collaborating cross-functionally with internal and external constituencies to drive strategic direction while articulating the institutional mission. Dr. Clarke is a certified early childhood teacher, elementary supervisor, elementary principal and superintendent in South Carolina and holds Elementary Education (P-5) and Educational Leadership-Tier II certification in Georgia. She taught pre-kindergarten, second grade and third grade in the Beaufort County School District (Beaufort, South Carolina). She has served as an instructor and university supervisor at Winthrop University; Assistant Professor, Coordinator, Title III Activity Director, and Interim Director of Teacher Education at Morris College; Director of Teacher Education at Columbia College; Associate Professor, Department Head of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education at Anderson University, and Education Consultant. Dr. Karis Clarke holds a B.A. in political science from Florida A&M University, M.A.T. in early childhood education from the College of Charleston, Ed.S. and Ed.D. in educational administration from South Carolina State University. She has also completed post bachelor's work at Florida State University.