Stephen Clarke selected as dean for College of Education and Human Sciences

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Media Contact: Christy Lang | CEHS Marketing and Communications Director | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University has named Dr. Stephen Clarke the next dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. The appointment follows a national search for the role and is pending approval by the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents. 

Clarke has served as senior associate dean for research, graduate studies and faculty affairs in CEHS since 2022. He will officially begin his tenure as dean on March 16, 2026. Clarke will replace Dr. Jon Pedersen, who is retiring.

“The College of Education and Human Sciences has a rich legacy of excellence, and I am honored and humbled to serve as dean at this moment in the college’s journey. We are uniquely positioned to address our state’s most pressing needs in education, health and workforce development while expanding national impact through innovative teaching, research and outreach,” Clarke said.

“Under Dr. Pedersen’s leadership, our college has become student-centered and responsive to the strengths of everyone who is a part of our academic community. I look forward to working closely with students, faculty, staff and our partners as we prepare our graduates for meaningful, successful careers and meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

A tenured professor in nutritional sciences, Clarke has more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience at OSU spanning the department, college and university levels. He is a strong advocate for the land-grant mission with a demonstrated track record of building and sustaining community partnerships while focusing on interdisciplinary solutions to address statewide education and workforce needs.

“Dr. Clarke is widely recognized for his commitment to student success and faculty engagement, and his leadership reflects a strong alignment with OSU’s land-grant mission of teaching, research and Extension/service,” OSU Provost and Senior Vice President Jeanette Mendez said. “His vision for advancing excellence in education and human sciences will further position the college as a leader in preparing professionals who positively impact communities across Oklahoma and beyond.” 

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nutritional sciences from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center before coming to Stillwater in 2007. 

At OSU, Clarke has been honored with the Graduate Education Champion (2025), University Service Award (2024) and the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award (2013). He also serves as the faculty athletics representative for OSU.

Pedersen has served as dean of the college since July 2021 and will complete a 40-year career in education in 2026. Pedersen and Clarke will work closely together to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in leadership.

“Dr. Clarke embodies the true spirit of the land-grant mission and our college tagline — People, Passion, Purpose,” Pedersen said. “His experience and commitment to OSU and the college have prepared him to take on this important role. Dr. Clarke has been an inspiration for me and many others in the college, and he will be an excellent dean to move CEHS into the future.”