About

I am Associate Provost and Dean Emerita, a lifelong academic, as well as a mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Over my 34-year career at Miami University in Ohio, I held positions including Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor, Department Chair, Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, and Associate Provost and Dean. My teaching load typically averaged nine credit hours per semester, and my research focused on the scholarship of teaching and learning. Together with a colleague, I published a book and delivered workshops across the United States and internationally.My educational path was unconventional: I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a Master’s degree in Quantitative Analysis, and a Doctorate in Educational Foundations. I began my academic career at age 25 in Computer Science and started my doctoral program almost immediately. During my academic years, I also raised two daughters.Midway through my career, I faced a significant personal challenge: complications from LASIK eye surgery left me in chronic pain for nearly a decade, accompanied by bouts of anxiety and depression. During this time, I relied heavily on mindfulness and meditation to sustain both my professional responsibilities and my family life.I transitioned into administration gradually. I began as an Assistant Dean while teaching half-time, later becoming Department Chair, Associate Dean of two campuses, and ultimately Associate Provost and Dean. In these roles, I oversaw a broad range of services, including academic affairs, development, IT, and physical facilities. As Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science, I supervised 12 department chairs, from English to Engineering Technology.After a long and fulfilling career, I retired at age 59, seeking new experiences such as bicycling in every U.S. state and hiking long distances. In 2022 I rode my bike across America. The transition to retirement was challenging—my second daughter moved across the country the same month, and an injury limited many of my usual activities—but over time I adapted.Since retiring, I have traveled extensively, including five weeks in New Zealand, and have designed and taught courses for retirees, including “Retire on Fire,” “Artificial Intelligence and You,” and a course on "Improving Happiness." I have also mentored colleagues and led workshops at local educational institutions. Teaching and helping others pursue their goals continues to be deeply rewarding.My style is down-to-earth, authentic, and direct. I am an introvert who thrives on public speaking, am highly organized, strategic, and energized by challenges. My current focus—and greatest joy—is helping others reach their full potential.

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Testimonials

“Cathy brings exceptional expertise and a personal touch to every engagement. I’ve had the privilege of participating in her Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Faculty Learning Community, collaborating with her on a departmental restructuring and a divisional strategic plan, and have attended several of her dynamic, practical workshops. Cathy helped me gain career clarity, build leadership confidence, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. In fact, she planted the seed that I move into administration. As someone who has benefited from her guidance for over two decades, I can say without hesitation that she is an outstanding professional mentor, and I recommend her wholeheartedly.”
Dr. Brooke A. Flinders, President Frontier Nursing University"Cathy delivered an all-day workshop to the College’s Department Heads and Administrative Leadership team. The interactive workshop outlined several strategies for conducting effective one-on-one meetings and for finding, developing, or being an effective mentor. The participants in the workshop found the day to be fun and incredibly helpful. There were opportunities to discuss, reflect, and plan for the year ahead. Cathy’s experience in higher education really made a difference in the examples and situations she described. We’ve all been in professional development sessions where the facilitator just didn’t get how higher ed works, and this was the opposite. Having understood and overcome the challenges we face in managing multiple projects, new initiatives, and challenges from students, colleagues, and external pressures, Cathy’s expertise, experience, and warm, reassuring presence put everyone at ease. I highly recommend Dr. Cathy Bishop-Clark for organizational development work in college settings."
Dr. Robin Lightner, Dean and Professor of Psychology, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College."Cathy has a great deal of experience and success in terms of establishing and administering new academic departments and divisions. While serving as the first Dean of Miami University’s College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science, she had innovative ideas to drive the division forward and a strong vision of what we could become. She is a thoughtful and intelligent leader who would be a valuable asset to any team in addressing the many challenges currently facing higher education."
Dr. Bob Davis, Professor Emerita"Cathy Bishop Clark’s mentoring and coaching were instrumental during my early development as an academic leader. Her transparency and willingness to openly share both leadership successes and failures created meaningful opportunities for reflection, learning, and growth. Through her guidance, I gained critical insight into navigating complex leadership decisions while strengthening my personal leadership approach. In an era where the higher education landscape is rapidly evolving, Cathy exemplifies the kind of trusted mentor and coach essential for leaders facing daily institutional and professional challenges."
Stephanie Nicely, Chair & Chief Nurse Administrator

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