Clark named interim director of Bitterroot College Program

Darby resident Victoria Clark has been hired to head the Bitterroot College Program of UM for the next year. As interim director she will oversee the long-term planning for a permanent entity to deliver adult and higher education in the Bitterroot Valley.

Clark will report to UM Provost Royce Engstrom and work closely with a steering committee composed of Bitterroot Valley residents and representatives from UM, Flathead Valley Community College, and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, among others.

“Victoria has demonstrated a passion for providing education to residents of the Bitterroot Valley,” Engstrom said. “Her background in education, her commitment to the community and her energetic approach combine to make her the best person for the position.”

Clark has directed Darby Adult Education since 2001. She also is a student enrollment and records specialist for Literacy Bitterroot, which offers Adult Basic Education and General Education Development preparation services.

She holds a master’s degree in adult and postsecondary education from the University of Wyoming, a postbaccalaureate secondary teaching certification from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College in Massachusetts.

“It’s taken time and effort, but I think we now have a great opportunity to bring substantive adult and higher education to valley residents,” Clark said. “I am very much looking forward to my year ahead with UM. Our community’s partnership with UM and state higher education professionals is critical to the success of postsecondary programming in Ravalli County.”

In the fall semester, the Bitterroot College Program will offer eight courses selected to prepare students for college-level work and to help them get a start on college. Many online courses also are available. Future course offerings will be determined through a needs analysis that Clark will oversee.