Karis Clarke

Biography

Degrees

• B.A., Florida A&M University
• PB, Florida State University
• M.A.T., College of Charleston;
• Ed.S., South Carolina State University;
• Ed.D. South Carolina State University

About Karis

Dr. Karis L. Clarke is a Professor and Dean of Instruction at Bakersfield College, where she works to prepare educators to meet the needs of students locally, nationally, and internationally. A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Clarke is committed to cultivating the growth and development of educators while advancing high-quality teaching, learning, and leadership practices.

With more than 15 years of experience, Dr. Clarke has led the development of teacher education and educational leadership programs, providing oversight for training initiatives, instructional strategies, curriculum planning, and accreditation. As a leader and mentor, she fosters dynamic, high-performing instructional environments that enhance the student experience, support retention, and promote institutional excellence. Her collaborative approach includes working across internal and external constituencies to advance strategic direction and articulate the institutional mission.

Dr. Clarke brings extensive experience across P–12 and higher education. She began her career teaching pre-kindergarten, second grade, and third grade in the Beaufort County School District in Beaufort, South Carolina. She has also served as an instructor and university supervisor at Winthrop University; Assistant Professor, Coordinator, Title III Activity Director, and Interim Director of Teacher Education at Morris College; Director of Teacher Education at Columbia College; Associate Professor and Department Head of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education at Anderson University; Associate Professor and Department Chair of Educational Leadership at Clark Atlanta University; Professor, Director, and Assistant Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California; and Education Consultant.

Her professional credentials span multiple states. Dr. Clarke is a certified early childhood teacher, elementary supervisor, elementary principal, and superintendent in South Carolina. She holds Elementary Education (P–5) and Educational Leadership–Tier II certification in Georgia, as well as a multiple subject teaching credential and preliminary administrative services credential in California.

Dr. Clarke earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida A&M University, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education from the College of Charleston, and both an Education Specialist degree and Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from South Carolina State University.