RICHMOND, Va. -- The man confirmed as the next United States Air Force Academy superintendent grew up in Richmond.
After his U.S Senate confirmation, Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark became the Academy's first Black superintendent.
Clark, who moved to Richmond when he was nine years old, attended John B. Cary Elementary School and Henderson Middle School. He is a 1982 graduate of Jefferson/Huguenot/Wythe High School, which is now known as Huguenot High School.
Clark was selected for the first-team all-state football team and he was also an all-state track athlete.
"It is a tremendous honor to be confirmed to serve as the next superintendent of the Air Force Academy,” Clark said.
“Knowing that I now have the privilege to build on Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria’s exceptional leadership in educating, training, and inspiring young men and women to become leaders in the Air and Space Forces is truly humbling."
Clark, who graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1986, has a history of leadership with the Academy, previously working as the Commandment of Cadets and at other levels of Air Force Command. He has pilot expertise as well, ranging from bomber to air-refueling. He currently leads the nuclear expertise for the Air Force at the Pentagon.
Clark will be in charge of the Colorado Springs academy's undergraduate academic program, cadet military and athletic training and character development.
“I look forward to once again being part of the institution that has provided me so many opportunities,” he said. “Go Falcons!"
