The NYU School of Professional Studies Appoints Ann Clarkson, Assistant Dean of Educational Pathways and Strategic Operations

Veteran Higher Education Leader to Spearhead the Development of Educational Programs that Meet Market Demand and Serve the Needs of an Evolving Workforce

New York, NY —The NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) has named Ann Clarkson, assistant dean of educational pathways and strategic operations, effective 11/8/2021. She returns to NYU SPS after serving as its director of academic operations more than 16 years ago. In this newly created role, and in collaboration with the School’s academic leadership and faculty, Clarkson will lead the development of new programs based on labor market demand, employer needs, and partnership opportunities. She also will be responsible for identifying and implementing technology and other innovations to create a culture of continual process improvement that serves a wide range of learner needs. In addition, she will be charged with developing an innovative strategy that attracts industry, private sector, and government partners, as well as nonprofit and community organizations to create training opportunities for individuals who are currently employed and seek career advancement or change, or who seek to transition into the workplace after a hiatus.

“We are very excited to welcome Ann Clarkson back to NYU SPS,” said Angie Kamath, dean of the NYU School of Professional Studies. “Her deep knowledge in the areas of educational product development that addresses the evolving needs of employers and the changing local, national, and global workforce, will serve the School well in expanding upon its rich history of educating future leaders across a wide range of professions.”

Clarkson began her career teaching, but pivoted into developing textbooks for the secondary education market at Simon & Schuster, where she specialized in the history and special education markets, and published several national bestsellers. She also was a member of Simon & Schuster’s initial team of online technology specialists, and developed one of the first websites offering lesson plans and online support for teachers in the field.

Drawing upon her pedagogical design and online experience, Clarkson then joined Securities Training Corporation (STC), a leading test preparation and continuing education company for the financial services industry. There she led a team in the development of a complete suite of computer-based training modules and an online university that services tens of thousands of professionals each year. 

Clarkson next joined NYU SPS and was tasked with creating and launching an online program and developing an instructional design division. She was promoted to director of academic operations, expanding her role to encompass the development and management of several academic areas in non-credit, undergraduate, and graduate programs. These areas represented approximately 1,500 courses annually and included Instructional Design, Digital Imaging, Graphic Design, Information Technology, Film and Broadcasting, The Virtual College, Corporate Training, and Interior Design.

In her most recent position as associate dean of Continuing and Professional Studies at Baruch College, Clarkson managed and grew the program to become the largest of its kind within CUNY's Senior colleges. The program exceeded 12,000 registrations, employed 50 administrators and over 350 faculty members, and attracted both domestic and international students. Subjects spanned a broad array of areas including: management, finance, accounting, IT, design, HR/SHRM, project management, ESL, marketing, engineering, among others—all designed to meet the needs of the workforce.

In addition to an MA in Instructional Technology from Columbia University, Clarkson holds a BA in History from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.