Clark University appoints Kendall Isaac as first general counsel in school’s history

Today, Clark University President David Fithian ’87 announced the appointment of Kendall Isaac, J.D., Ed.D., as the University’s first general counsel in Clark’s history. In addition to serving as the University’s chief legal officer, Isaac will assume the role of vice president, secretary of the University, and assistant secretary of the Board of Trustees. He will join Clark on October 15, 2021.

Read President Fithian’s full announcement »

As a member of the senior leadership team, Isaac will be a close adviser to the administration on a wide range of matters including University policies, contracts and procurement, compliance with laws and regulations, human resources and diversity, equity, and inclusion, risk management, and university governance. As assistant secretary to the Board of Trustees, Isaac will support the work of Clark’s 27-member Board.

“Kendall brings to Clark broad legal expertise, exceptional judgment, and a deep understanding of our higher education landscape,” David Fithian said. “It is unusual to find one person with as much talent and experience who also is a great collaborator and entrepreneurial leader. Kendall will be a tremendous addition to our Clark community.”

Currently, Isaac is serving as vice president, general counsel, and assistant to the president for special initiatives at Dickinson College. He has previously served as university counsel and chief of staff for Fort Valley State University within the University System of Georgia, and chief legal affairs and human resources officer simultaneously at Darton State College and Bainbridge State College. Prior to moving into higher education administration, Isaac taught employment-related law and alternative dispute resolution as an assistant law professor at Appalachian School of Law. Isaac began his legal career in private law practice as an associate attorney and, then, owner/principal of his own highly successful firm.

“Clark University is an exceptional institution. Under President Fithian’s leadership, the University is on an upward trajectory, with energy building around areas that are important to the future of the University and to me personally, including DEI, academic excellence, and expanded support of research for both faculty and students.” Isaac said. “I was drawn immediately to Clark’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and the opportunity to think creatively and in new ways.  I am looking forward to partnering with colleagues across the University to make Clark even stronger for many years to come.”

Isaac earned his Juris Doctor degree at Capital University Law School and a Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum and Leadership from Columbus State University. He completed his undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetorical Communications.