POTSDAM -- Clarkson University President Marc P. Christensen has resigned his position and David K. Heacock has been officially appointed to fill the role while a search for a new president is conducted, Clarkson University officials said in an announcement July 22..

"Earlier today, the Clarkson University Board of Trustees announced the appointment of David K. Heacock ‘83 as Acting President of the University. A Clarkson Trustee since 2017 and long-time corporate partner with the institution, Heacock has had a distinguished career in industry, including top leadership positions at Texas Instruments where he led major business transformations. He also has extensive experience in the venture capital community, as well as service on not-for-profit boards and organizations," he the release said.

Christensen, who had been the president of the University since 2022, resigned this month for "personal reasons." The release issued by the university said the “Clarkson community thanks him for his stewardship of the University and wishes him well in his future endeavors.”

Vice President for External Relations Kelly O. Chezum declined to provide further details on the resignation, citing the university’s respect for the privacy of all of its employees and members of the community. 

Chezum said Christensen worked closely with the board of trustees to ensure a smooth transition and that the university is very fortunate to have Heacock, who is the “right leader at the right time,” she said.

"While the Board will begin the search for Clarkson’s 18th president immediately, Acting President Heacock, and his wife, Sheryl, are looking forward to welcoming students next month for the Fall Semester and engaging with alumni and corporate partners," the release says.

According to the release, Acting President Heacock brings more than 30 years of industry and research experience in semiconductor new product development and business management across several internationally respected semiconductor companies. In 1990, he helped grow Benchmarq Microelectronics, a successful startup semiconductor company in the field of Battery Management.

Unitrode acquired Benchmarq in 1998, and was then acquired in 1999 by Texas Instruments (TI). This launched Dave’s career at TI where he ultimately held several senior positions including leading the integration of the National Semiconductor acquisition. He was Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Silicon Valley Analog Group for Texas Instruments when he retired in 2017. Acting President Heacock’s extensive expertise and networks in the semiconductor industry will be invaluable in helping to carve out Clarkson’s role in New York State’s recently announced “NY SMART Corridor” delivering a Semiconductor Superhighway for high tech-career opportunities throughout the region.

"Through his involvement with Palo Alto angel investor group The Band of Angels, Dave served as Executive Chairman of StreamMosaic, a successful AI/ML start-up focused on semiconductor process improvement until it was acquired by PDF Solutions in April 2019. He also served on the Board of Directors for TheDetectionGroup, an IoT start-up focused on water leak detection in commercial real estate until its acquisition by Watts Water Technologies in December 2020," the release says.

 "In addition to consulting for semiconductor companies, Dave serves as president of Urban Works Santa Cruz, a 501(c)3 corporation focusing on using art and recreation to help create a more enriched, diverse and unified community, especially for adults with special needs. He is active in his community, supporting various non-profits, including the United Way Bay Area and The Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley. Dave earned his Bachelor’s in Engineering and Management from Clarkson University in 1983 and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of North Texas in 1988."