NE North Dakota News

Rodney Clark, associate vice president of public safety and chief of the UND Police Department, emphasized the importance of communication and authenticity over formal titles in leadership. Clark made these remarks during a presentation for UND's 18:83 Speaker Series, held at the Memorial Union’s Social Stairs on March 26.

The 18:83 Speaker Series features lectures approximately 18 minutes and 83 seconds long—an homage to the University of North Dakota's founding year. Each speaker, a leader from the campus or community, discusses their perspective on leadership.

Clark, who served over 20 years in the military—including deployments in Qatar, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates—before transitioning to civilian law enforcement, highlighted that leadership skills are cultivated through daily interactions rather than high-profile advice alone. He illustrated this by comparing his experiences meeting prominent figures, such as former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, with more personal interactions, like those with his daughter. “The people you come in contact with on a daily basis — that’s who you can learn from,” he stated.

During his lecture, Clark advised against self-centered leadership, emphasizing teamwork and delegation. “Delegation is something that is mastered over time,” he said, noting the importance of empowering others while maintaining responsibility.

He described leadership as a continuing journey of personal and professional transformation. Additionally, he offered practical advice on understanding one's audience, maintaining a distinct personal style, and distinguishing between crises and routine issues. Clark warned against “analysis paralysis,” stressing the importance of decisive action when necessary.