Debbi Clarke


Debbi builds strategic relationships and develops learning opportunities that are aligned with client needs and objectives. She works at the intersection of higher education and business and leads every step of design, development, delivery, and assessment of the executive learning process.

Prior to joining Executive Development, Debbi was Associate Provost for Strategy and Special Projects at UNC. She is the former director of the full-time MBA Program at Kenan-Flagler Business School, and she helped launch the MBA@UNC. She has also worked at Vanderbilt University and the University of Pennsylvania. She brings experience from the financial services industry, having worked at Bank of America before she entered academia.

Debbi is co-author of a book that helps businesspeople and others make an impact when working with colleges and universities, The Insider’s Guide to Working with Universities: Practical Insights for Board Members, Businesspeople, Entrepreneurs, Philanthropists, Alumni, Parents, and Administrators.

She earned her undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University, an MEd in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University, and an EdD in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Debbi lives in Raleigh with her husband, their two college-aged children, and a spoiled dog. She enjoys spending time outdoors and volunteering with organizations focused on child development and education.

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