by Desiree M. Cooper
Communication Services
Clark Elswick became Eastern New Mexico University's vice president for Academic support on Jan. 5, after Ronnie Birdsong retired as vice president for University Relations and Enrollment Services.
Elswick provides direct supervision, motivation, training and support to the directors of Information Technology Services (IT), Enrollment Services, Advising, Registrar, KENW, and the Information Desk.
“My goals are to continue the excellent work of the organizations that report to me and continue to strive for improvement,” Elswick said of his new position. “I am excited to positively impact the lives of students, faculty and staff.”
The vice president’s responsibilities include working with other senior administrators to meet the mission of the University, coordinating policy development for the Academic Support Services Unit, and serving as a Core Staff member.
As the ENMU System Chief Information Officer (CIO), Elswick provides oversight and encourages collaboration among the three-campus system IT departments.
The former ENMU Manager of Systems and director/CIO of ITS previously worked as the director of Software Development and Architecture at Time Warner Telecom.
Elswick, who double majored in computer science and math at ENMU, began working at the university in 2005 because he “wanted to be somewhere I could believe in what I do and know that it is benefiting someone and to be closer to family.
“I had worked in corporate America in different industries. The main focus was on being profitable, not on the people,” he continued. “I came to ENMU because I wanted to be somewhere where what I was doing was beneficial. I knew that the journey that students take at ENMU will impact their whole life.”
The CIO, who has a master’s in mathematics from ENMU, grew up in Topeka, Kan., but graduated from high school in Clovis.
Elswick and his wife, Yvonne, have eight children. Since his parents also live in the area, the vice president uses his free time to “spend quality time with my family.”
Three of his children have attended ENMU, including two currently enrolled.
