New TLTC Executive Director Named

Lawrence M. Clark, associate dean in the Office of Undergraduate Studies, has been named executive director of the Teaching and Learning Transformation Center (TLTC), effective May 17. In this role, Clark will provide strategic leadership for the TLTC, guiding the university’s efforts to advance excellence and innovation in teaching and learning. 

Clark has been at the university for nearly two decades. In addition to his role as associate director, he is an associate professor in the College of Education’s Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy, and Leadership. 

“We are confident that Dr. Clark’s leadership, collaborative approach and commitment to teaching excellence will further strengthen the mission and impact of the TLTC,” said Jennifer King Rice, senior vice president and provost, and Lisa Taneyhill, associate provost for academic affairs. 

His current work focuses on learning outcomes assessment, the university’s general education program, and faculty and curriculum development. He has led the university’s Learning Outcomes Assessment process, partnering with faculty and academic leaders across colleges to strengthen assessment practices and promote continuous improvement in student learning.

Clark has played a key role in curriculum development, program assessment and cross-campus collaboration, including leadership of the Fundamental Studies Math Success Initiative to address equity gaps in undergraduate mathematics courses. He has also secured and led externally funded projects from the National Science Foundation and the Maryland State Department of Education, advancing instructional innovation, data-informed teaching practices and partnerships with regional school systems.

A scholar of mathematics education, Clark focuses his research on teachers’ beliefs and instructional practices, with particular attention to the experiences of African American mathematics teachers. He earned his Ph.D. from Emory University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan, and has participated in national leadership development programs, including the Big Ten Academic Alliance Academic Leadership Program and UMD ADVANCE.

In a message to instructors, Rice and Taneyhill also thanked Mary Warneka for her work as interim director: “She has provided excellent leadership during the transition, including overseeing teaching innovation for all instructors and learning success for our students, and pioneering teaching and learning partnerships across campus, particularly with respect to generative AI-informed pedagogy.”