Retired Idaho State Board of Education President Linda Clark to Receive Honorary Doctorate at Idaho State University Commencement Ceremonies

Dr Linda Clark, retired Idaho State Board of Education president and lifelong education advocate, will receive an honorary doctorate at Idaho State University’s Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies May 9. 

Clark, who served on the State Board for 10 years, including four as president, has been a steadfast supporter of Idaho education for more than 40 years. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Boise in 1971 and in 1978, she moved to the Meridian School District as principal of the new Joplin Elementary School. She subsequently served in a variety of central office positions before assuming the position of superintendent of the West Ada School District, the position she held for more than 11 years before retiring in the fall of 2015. 

Both during her time as the West Ada school superintendent and as a member of the Idaho State Board of Education, Clark has been a tireless supporter of Idaho State University’s Meridian campus, facilitating both its beginnings and its growth. 

“We are proud to honor Linda and her lifelong commitment to Idaho’s families and communities,” said ISU President Dr. Robert Wagner. “She has made an incredible impact on generations of Idahoans with her tireless work creating quality learning opportunities for all.” 

Clark has served on countless committees, task forces and boards, including the Discovery Center of Idaho, the Northwest Evaluation Association; The Boise and Meridian Chambers of Commerce; the Full Circle Health Board; Capital Educators (Cap Ed), and the Board of Governors of the Andrus Center for Public Policy. She also received gubernatorial appointments and served on the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education (WICHE), the Governor’s Workforce Council and the STEM Action Center Board. 

Dr. Clark has received numerous local, state and national awards for her vision, innovation and leadership. Recently, she was given the Early Education Impact Award from the Children’s Museum of Idaho.  Clark has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boise State University; a Master of Education degree. From the University of Idaho; and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of San Francisco.

Clark will be honored at Idaho State University’s Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies May 9 in the ICCU Dome.