Meet Monica Clarke

Monica Clarke is a Community of Practice Fellow, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge at Civic Nation.

Ms. Clarke is a professor of English Composition and Freshman Orientation; Service-Learning, Volunteer, and Community Service Coordinator; and Chair of The Alabama A&M Civic Engagement Team. She has graciously served at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) for thirteen years.  Ms. Clarke has served more than thirty years in education, her career in teaching has ranged from Elementary school, Middle School, High school, Community College to University Levels. Ms. Clarke holds a Masters of Education Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, a Masters of Arts in English Degree from Alabama A&M University, a Certificate of Spanish Education from Cemanahuac Spanish School in Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico; and a Bachelors of Arts degree in English Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.

In her capacity as Service Learning Coordinator, Ms. Clarke has written, was awarded and now directs both federal and foundation grants. She works closely with the city, county, and state leaders in order to implement programs on campus and within the community. Ms Clarke organizes thousands of students, faculty, staff, and community members yearly for a city-wide “Day of Service.” Ms. Clarke is responsible for training and overseeing all service-learning, volunteerism, community service, and civic engagement opportunities and activities campus-wide at Alabama A&M University.

Ms. Clarke has a passion for service, she spent six months volunteering throughout Mexico, mainly focusing on the most critical need areas of the country. She works tirelessly in service in both her career and her personal life. Presently, Ms. Clarke serves as a board member for the American Red Cross, where she was named the HERO of the Year and serves as Chair of Diversity and Inclusion. She serves as a Board member for Christmas Charities Year Around and North Alabama Disability Resource Network.Ms Clarke is dedicated to civic engagement and activism. She was instrumental in increasing the student vote at AAMU from 43.9% to 61% in 2020. That year, Ms. Clarke received the Administrator of the Year Award from the national organization Student Learn Student Vote (SLSV).  After receiving an invite from Stacey Abrams and Fair Fight, Ms. Clarke traveled to Washington DC to speak to congress regarding voting rights of college students at AAMU. Ms Clarke serves on the National Advisory Board for SLSV and she is a founding member of Alabama’s Post-Secondary Alliance for Community Engagement (PACE). Ms. Clarke is a faithful member of The Coalition for Justice

Through Civic Engagement and The Coalition of 100 Black Women in Huntsville, Alabama.