William S. Clark

William S. Clark, born on July thirty-first, eighteen twenty-six, was a multifaceted American who made significant contributions as a chemist, botanist, and educator. Raised in Easthampton, Massachusetts, he dedicated much of his life to the academic community in Amherst, where he graduated from Amherst College in eighteen forty-eight and earned a doctorate in chemistry from Georgia Augusta University in Göttingen in eighteen fifty-two. He began his teaching career at Amherst College, serving as a professor of chemistry from eighteen fifty-two until eighteen sixty-seven.

During the American Civil War, Clark took a leave of absence from his academic duties to serve as a colonel in the twenty-first Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. His leadership during this tumultuous period showcased his commitment to his country and further solidified his reputation as a leader in agricultural education.

In eighteen sixty-seven, Clark became the third president of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, now known as the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was instrumental in establishing the institution, appointing faculty, and admitting the first class of students. Despite facing criticism from politicians and a lack of support from local farmers, his innovative approach to education garnered international attention, particularly from Japanese officials seeking to modernize their agricultural practices.

In eighteen seventy-six, Clark was invited to Japan as a foreign advisor to help establish the Sapporo Agricultural College, now Hokkaido University. His impactful work during his eight months in Sapporo not only advanced scientific and economic development in Hokkaido but also left a lasting legacy in Japanese culture, with his famous parting words, 'Boys, be ambitious!' becoming a national motto.

After resigning from the presidency of MAC in eighteen seventy-nine, Clark ventured into the mining industry as president of Clark & Bothwell. Unfortunately, the company faced challenges due to corruption, leading to its quick demise and severely affecting Clark's reputation and finances. The ensuing scandal took a toll on his health, and he passed away from heart disease at his home in Amherst in eighteen eighty-six.