{"id":3106,"date":"2023-01-10T12:36:36","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T16:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/?page_id=3106"},"modified":"2025-06-26T12:09:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T16:09:44","slug":"the-presidency-of-clayton-spencer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/clayton-spencer\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating President Clayton Spencer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Creative, Generous, and Fearless Leadership<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

A transformative leader for Bates, Clayton Spencer gave new shape and meaning to the enduring power of a Bates liberal arts education for today\u2019s world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guiding the college through extraordinary challenges with exceptional clarity and a steady hand, Spencer departs a college that is measurably stronger than when she arrived. She imagined the best for Bates, inspired others to do the same, and accomplished lofty goals through creative, generous, and fearless leadership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Spencer and the Bates Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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President Clayton Spencer, Eighth Bates President, 2012 to 2023<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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About the Eighth Bates President<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clayton Spencer identified the forces shaping society and higher education and found opportunities for creative action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Slideshow: Moments and Milestones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some of our favorite images of Clayton Spencer, capturing a Bates leader in her community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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President Spencer in One Word<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cThe word is extraordinary. She is an extraordinary leader of extraordinary people.\u201d<\/p>\nMichael Bonney \u201980, Bates Trustee Emeritus, Board Chair 2010\u20132019<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Thank you, Clayton!<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Share your well wishes as we say goodbye to our eighth president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI have loved my time at Bates. I have felt so lucky to be part of this community, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together.\u201d<\/p>Clayton Spencer<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\t