Jack L. Stark (born 1934) is president emeritus of Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California.[1] He was CMC's third president, serving a 29-year tenure from 1970 to 1999.[2][1]
Stark was born in Urbana, Indiana.[1] He was himself a 1957 graduate of CMC, then known as Claremont Men's College, earning a bachelor of arts degree in literature and economics.[1]
After serving in the United States Marine Corps for three years, Stark returned to CMC in 1961 as director of alumni relations.[2][1] He was eventually chosen as assistant to founding president George C. S. Benson.[1]
Stark led CMC through major changes over the course of his 29 years as president.[2] In 1976, the college began admitting women, and in 1981, it was renamed Claremont McKenna College to acknowledge its co-ed status while also honoring founding trustee Donald McKenna.[3]
Stark continues to serve on the CMC Board of Trustees[4] as a life trustee. His contributions to the college are remembered through the Jack L. Stark Distinguished Service Award,[5] given in recognition of outstanding service to the College, the Alumni Association and to the Alumni of Claremont McKenna College and the Jack L. Stark society, a gift club level for CMC donors.[6] Stark Hall, Claremont McKenna's substance-free residence hall, is also named in his honor.[1]
Jack is married to Jil Harris Stark, with whom he has four children.[1] They live in Claremont, California.[1]