Thomas Arkle Clark

Thomas Arkle Clark (May 11, 1862 – July 18, 1932), born Thomas Arkle Metcalf, was an American academic best known as the first Dean of Men. Born in rural Illinois, Clark was orphaned at a young age and was adopted by an aunt. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1890, then supervised a local school. Named an assistant professor at the university in 1893, Clark rose to full professor status in 1900. A favorite of university president Andrew S. Draper, Clark was named dean of the College of Literature in 1900, then dean of undergraduates in 1901. This office was later renamed Dean of Men, making Clark the first to hold the title. Clark was known for his ruthless vigilance over students and was particularly opposed to alcohol and automobiles. However, Clark was a friend to the Greek community in the university, rising to lead the national chapter of Alpha Tau Omega and often supporting the system in the press. He was also founded Phi Eta Sigma in 1923.

Thomas Arkle Metcalf was born on May 11, 1862, in Minonk, Illinois. Shortly after his birth, his mother Mary died. His father William then moved the family near Rantoul, Illinois to be closer to other family. However, Thomas' father struggled to make ends meet as a farmer there, as he was only skilled as a coal miner. When William died in 1872, Thomas was adopted by his aunt, Mary Metcalf Clark, taking her adoptive name.

Clark worked on the family farm until 1886, when he was able to persuade his adoptive mother to sell the farm and move to nearby Champaign. Clark attended the University of Illinois Academy, a preparatory school for the University of Illinois. He was then admitted to the university and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1890. During his studies, he worked at The News Gazette. Clark intended to go into politics, but quickly realized that he enjoyed managing campaigns more.

Clark's first job was teaching at the Eastside School, where he quickly rose to become principal. In 1893, Clark was offered a position as an assistant professor of rhetoric at the University of Illinois. Two years later he was named an associate professor. In 1895, he was initiated in the Gamma Zeta chapter of Alpha Tau Omega. Clark took classes over two summers at the University of Chicago, then attended Harvard University for a year. With these new credentials, Clark was promoted to full professor and head of the rhetoric department in 1899.

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