University of North Dakota Athletics

Clifford's connection to the University spans more than 40 years and during that time he had made tremendous contributions to UND's Athletic program. He first came to UND as a student in 1938 and graduated with a BS in Commerce four years later. Then in 1945 he served as a teaching assistant, instructor, associate professor, professor, department chairman, counselor of men, dean, vice president, president and during 1990-91 as interim chancellor of the North Dakota University system. Along the way he earned a JD degree and a MBA. He served as a student and faculty member on the athletic Board of Control , and developed the group's constitution and bylaws as a student member. He also served as UND's faculty representative to the NCAA. During his 21 years as president of UND, enrollment grew by nearly 4,000 students and annual operating budget had increased by more than 700 percent and research grants by 800 percent. During that time the University had become the largest and most comprehensive university in the Dakota's, western Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.