Herald R. Clark Building
Built in 1952
Herald R. Clark Building: Where We Began (1952)
The Herald R. Clark Building was originally constructed in 1906 as part of a planned new administration complex. Over time, it became a versatile facility, hosting various departments including Journalism, the campus Post Office, Purchasing and Receiving, and most notably, the BYU Bookstore. The building was named in honor of Herald R. Clark, a beloved dean of the College of Commerce and the longtime manager of the bookstore from 1915 to 1952. Clark was instrumental in generating the revenue, through careful management of bookstore sales, that funded the building’s construction. A scholar and arts patron, he also played a key role in bringing world-class performers to BYU at minimal cost, enriching the university’s cultural life.
In 1953, BYU officially named the building after Clark during a dedication ceremony where he gave remarks. Although it was originally intended as a permanent home for the bookstore, the facility underwent changes after the bookstore relocated to the Wilkinson Student Center in 1964. Renovations at that time added office and workroom space, as well as modern updates like air conditioning. Throughout the 1970s, the building continued to serve administrative and educational support roles, housing Continuing Education and Educational Media Services. By the early 1980s, with an increasing focus on international engagement, BYU began reimagining the building for a new purpose.
Herald R. Clark Building: Where We Are Now
In 1984 and 1985, BYU extensively remodeled the Herald R. Clark Building to become the permanent home of the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. Named after the former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and prominent Church diplomat, the Kennedy Center has become the university’s hub for international education, combining faculty from multiple disciplines to explore global issues through teaching, research, and public outreach. Since its founding, the center has hosted over 250 ambassadors from 104 countries and continues to foster meaningful dialogue about world affairs on campus. Its mission is to prepare students for global citizenship, supported by a rich array of programs and resources.
Today, the Kennedy Center oversees more than 206 study abroad programs in 75 countries, including permanent study centers in London and Jerusalem. About 17% of BYU students study abroad during their undergraduate years, giving the university a #1 national ranking for international participation. The center also manages impactful outreach efforts like the China Teachers Program (CTP), which since 1989 has sent over 1,500 native English speakers to teach at Chinese universities. From a multipurpose campus facility to a global education leader, the Clark Building has evolved into a symbol of BYU’s international reach and enduring commitment to global learning.