PETER AND BECKY
(HAUGH) CLARK
Class of 1985
Ohio Valley University

Peter and Becky Clark are alumni who also work at Ohio Valley University. They live in Williamstown, W.Va., and have two daughters, Hannah 12 and Rachael 8. Peter is currently the chair of the University's psychology department. He holds an A.A. degree from OVC, a B.A. in Bible & psychology from Harding University, and an M.MFT (Master of Marriage & Family Therapy) degree from Abilene Christian University. He is currently an Ed.D. candidate educational psychology at West Virginia University.

He has over 15 years of clinical and ministry experience in the areas of community mental health; church counseling ministries; private christian counseling practice; and higher education.

Becky currently serves the University as an assistant professor of behavioral sciences teaching human services and social work courses. The addition of Becky to the faculty in 1998 was a very important step in growing the psychology department at OVU.

She holds an AA. from OVC, a B.S.W.  from Harding University and an M.S.W. from West Virginia University. She is also a licensed certified social worker (LCSW) in West Virginia. Becky also has over 15 years experience in the field of clinical social work, including long-term care, geriatric mental health (both in-patient and out-patient services), and family therapy. OVU is fortunate to have two alumni of such high caliber on the faculty.

With 60+ students enrolled in the psychology program to date, the department has grown into a first class program in a short period of time. “We continue to add career emphases, most recently in the areas of human services and Christian counseling," said Peter Clark. "Our new counseling lab tremendously enhances a program that was built on the early work of former faculty such as Dr. Larry Norsworthy,” Clark said. "We hear from our program graduates on a regular basis. They frequently tell us that they graduate from here 'ahead of the curve' and are better prepared than their peers when they pursue graduate work."

The new counseling lab features counseling space that is connected to a classroom by closed circuit monitoring. The lab also features a large one-way observation window. "This allows students to videotape sessions for future reference and gives classes the opportunity to observe and then discuss these sessions," Clark noted. The new counseling lab was funded by an anonymous foundation grant.

Both Peter and Becky look back on their college years as a time of joy and growth. Becky remembers her time in the Theta social club and the family atmosphere that has always existed at OVC. From being the quarterback for the flag football team to hanging out in the student center, she still believes the people here are what makes the College so special.

Peter remembers the mentoring he received from the staff that went beyond the classroom experience. Some of those same individuals are now his colleagues. OVU was also the beginning of another important part of both Peter and Becky’s life. They met here and began a romance that lasts to this day. Being a part of a school that is more like a family than an institution has a lasting effect.

The relationship between the Clarks and Ohio Valley University did not begin when they came here as students. Both of their families have a strong connection with both the former Northeastern Christian Junior College (NCJC) and OVU. Several of their siblings are alumni of OVC. Paul (Peter’s twin brother) and Leanne Clark (Smith), who are currently working with the Nashua Church of Christ in New Hampshire met at OVC.

Kevin and Brian Haugh (Becky’s brothers) were instrumental in the early years of the University traveling musical group Express. Kevin was one of the founding members of “The Group” in 1972, which was eventually renamed “The OVC Sunshine Express.”

Peter’s mom, Ann Clark, is a graduate of NCJC. She and her husband Decker still maintain close ties to OVU. In the early 80s, NCJC bought the North Atlantic Bookstore from the family of George Baker, Peter’s grandfather, which became the campus bookstore. A scholarship was also established with the proceeds from the bookstore and named in honor of George Baker.

Today the Clarks enjoy giving back to the Universitythat has been such an integral part of their family life. Peter notes that the transition of Ohio Valley University into a four-year baccalaureate college allows him four full years to mentor his students. He enjoys watching them grow into mature adults.

Both Peter and Becky look forward to passing on the legacy of service the school provides the Church, the community, and the Northeast. "Although the buildings and technology have changed through the years, the common thread remains the people at this institution," They said. "There is a special spirit that connects all of us through our experience with our school. We hope to pass this heritage on to future generations as they strive to live up to the standards that have been set for them."

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