Clark State Community College welcomes Ken Laake as the new director of athletics and student life. Laake, the former director of athletics for The Miami Valley School (MVS), will lead and coordinate all student related activities on Clark State Campuses. He will begin his new position on July 1, 2014.

“Clark State is thrilled to have someone with Ken’s background lead both the Eagles Athletics Program as well as student life initiatives,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., president, Clark State Community College. “Campus involvement is critical to student success and completion, areas that we are strategically focused on across the college.”

Laake was hired as the MVS director of athletics in 2006. Under his supervision, MVS won its first “All Sports Championship” in 2011 for having the best athletic department in the Metro Buckeye Conference. He was also the winner of the 2006 Horizon award, given by the Southwest Ohio Athletic Director’s Association, for a “Rising Star” in the field of interscholastic athletics.

During his time at MVS, Laake focused on bringing a competitive edge to upper school sports, resulting in three individual state championships, two individual state runner ups, four district championships, six district runner ups and 22 Metro Buckeye Conference championships.

Laake also led improvements to MVS athletic facilities, including installation of a multi-use artificial turf field and reorganization of the school’s weight room. He was involved in renovations to the Lofino Lobby center and helped design the MVS athletic logo as well.

“I am honored to be joining the Clark State team,” said Laake. “The energy and excitement around the campuses is contagious.”