Capt. Jay Clark, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) ONE, received the Stars and Stripes Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) award during a virtual awards ceremony at the annual BEYA STEM conference held Feb. 11-13.
Clark earned the award due to his contributions to STEM and distinction in supporting the Navy’s efforts in mentorship, diversity, and value-based service.
Throughout his career, Clark led and mentored many Sailors in engineering in his positions as Engineering and Deck division officer aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Chief Engineer aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), DESRON TWENTY-EIGHT materiel and logistics office, and Executive Officer and Commanding Officer aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
He credits his parents’ influence to his accomplishments. “They instilled in me that how much money you make or the status you achieve in life is not the measure of success, and that success is defined by the quality of person you are and how you treat and help others,” he said.
The BEYA STEM Awards are among the most competitive awards in science, engineering and technology management, with thousands of professionals in STEM having been nominated for this honor over BEYA’s 34-year history.
“This is a great accomplishment and very much warranted,” said Rear Adm. Timothy J. Kott, commander, Carrier Strike Group ONE following Clark’s selection. “(His) leadership, perseverance, and humility will certainly inspire others to service, command at sea, and great things. (He) is a role model for those that come after him, and the Navy is fortunate to have him leading our Sailors and ships.”
Clark was raised in Pembroke, Ga., and is a 1995 graduate of Morris Brown College where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and received his commission through Morehouse Naval ROTC in Atlanta. He earned a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering from the naval Postgraduate School and another Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
Date Taken: | 02.25.2021 |
Date Posted: | 02.26.2021 12:48 |
Story ID: | 389998 |
Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
Hometown: | PEMBROKE, GEORGIA, US |
Web Views: | 1,137 |
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