Biology professor makes an ‘unscientific’ life
discovery
Matthew Clark accomplished many things during his
lifetime, but still felt something was missing Sherlethia Johnson / Reporter
NBA stars Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal and
supermodels Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell are just a handful
of famous people one could meet while working for a
successful entertainment business.
Matthew Clark, now an associate professor of biology here at
Elon, owned such a business. Along with meeting the
previously mentioned stars, he has also met five Miss
Americas and three U.S. presidents.
One would think that all of that success would be the peak
of Clark’s career, but it was not. Instead, it was the
end of a journey that led him on a path to reach an important
goal in his life – ministry.
Born in Greenville, N.C., Clark received his
bachelor’s degree in biology from Johnson C. Smith
University, his doctorate in anatomy and cell biology from
East Carolina University and a diploma in surgical technology
from Pitt Community College.
But as an undergraduate student, it was not only biology
that was on Clark’s mind; he was also interested in
photography.
After pursing his interest in photography, Clark began to
work with several people who were interested in the business
of entertainment.
A talented photographer, Clark saw one door open right after
another until he owned a multi-level fashion production
business in Florida.
“I had access to money, I had access to people. I
could go anywhere in the world,” Clark said,
reminiscing on his once star-filled life.
But after having access to what most people dream of right
at his fingertips, Clark decided that he needed to stop
looking outward, and instead look inside himself for what he
was missing in his life.
“When my journey from entertainment was over, I begin
to say, ‘well what is in the core of me?’”
he said. After searching, he found that ministry was at his
“core.”
“There are a few goals that are at the core of a
person,” Clark said. “Ministry has always been in
my core.”
Clark got his degree in Ministry from the Greater Mount Zion
Bible Institute in 1998. He also became an ordained minister
at Elon First Baptist Church.
Also a former indoor track coach for Elon, Clark has used
his background in ministry to help guide his students and
athletes.
Junior Theresa Krawczyk is a former anatomy student and
indoor track athlete of Clark’s.
“Dr. Clark is one of the most amazing men I have ever
met in my whole life,” Krawczyk said. “He has
lived so many different lives in such a short period of time.
He is not only a coach and a professor, he is a friend and
really cares about his students’ total
well-being.”
It wasn’t until Clark found his core that he was on
his right path. Now that he has found what is in his core he
plans to continue to guide and help others find their core.
“The core of me could be used as a vehicle to help
others follow their path,” Clark said.
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