Distinguished Alumni Award
Linda L. Clark
Retired Superintendent, West Ada School District
College of Education
Class of ’70
Linda L. Clark dedicated 43 years to Idaho public education, serving as a teacher, principal, central office administrator and superintendent. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Boise in 1971 and, in 1978, became principal of the newly opened Joplin Elementary School in the Meridian School District. She later served in a variety of district leadership roles before becoming superintendent of the West Ada School District, a position she held for more than 11 years before retiring in fall 2015.
Clark has helped shape education policy and community initiatives through service on numerous committees, task forces, boards and advisory groups, including the Discovery Center of Idaho, Northwest Evaluation Association, Full Circle Health, Capital Educators Credit Union (CapEd) and the Andrus Center for Public Policy. Her service with the final three organizations continues today.
Her public service also includes gubernatorial appointments to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and the Governor’s Workforce Development Council. She later served 10 years on the Idaho State Board of Education, including four terms as board president.
Clark has remained actively involved with Boise State University through service on the College of Education Advisory Board, the College of Education Advancement Committee, the Boise State Alumni Association Board of Directors and university selection committees. She also served as an adjunct faculty member, providing staff development classes in the West Ada School District. She has received numerous local, state and national honors recognizing her vision, innovation and leadership in education.
Clark graduated from Boise State College in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She later earned a Master of Education and an administrative credential from the University of Idaho and a Doctor of Education in Organization and Leadership from the University of San Francisco.