Fork Union Mourns the Loss of Beloved Alumnus and Coach

Fork Union Military Academy is deeply saddened to share the passing of alumnus Shawn Clark, a proud member of the Postgraduate Class of 1994, who passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 50. Coach Clark suffered a medical emergency on September 9 and was admitted to the hospital, where he remained in stable condition before passing unexpectedly, surrounded by his wife, Jonelle.

A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Shawn Clark excelled in both football and basketball at George Washington High School, where he helped lead his basketball team to the 1993 State Championship. Although basketball came naturally, Clark’s heart was always on the football field. After a senior-year knee injury slowed recruiting interest, he came to Fork Union Military Academy to join the postgraduate football program, determined to continue his athletic and academic journey.

Longtime head coach John Shuman, now a member of the Academy's Advancement Team, fondly remembers Clark’s time at the Academy:

“He came from the great state of West Virginia and was an overachiever on our team as an offensive lineman,” said Coach Shuman. “He signed with Appalachian State to play football, where he put down tremendous roots. As a coach, you always want a player like Shawn who has talent but overachieves in all areas at Fork Union. He had the best room, best appearance, and a great work ethic on the field. We have a PG saying, ‘A hardworking man is a lucky man at FUMA,’ and Shawn embodied that spirit every day.”

During a recruiting visit from Appalachian State University head coach Jerry Moore and assistant John Wiley, Clark showcased his skills as a long snapper, a position the Mountaineers were seeking to fill. Impressed by his performance and attitude, they offered him a scholarship on the spot.

At Appalachian State, Clark became a standout, earning two All-America honors, three All-Conference selections, and helping lead the Mountaineers to a 45-16 record during his career. He graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and later earned a master’s in education from the University of Louisville in 2003.

Clark launched his coaching career at Louisville in 2001, followed by stops at Eastern Kentucky, Purdue, and Kent State. In 2016, he returned to Appalachian State as an assistant coach, and in 2019, was named head coach, compiling a 40-24 record over five seasons. His tenure included three bowl victories, multiple Sun Belt East Division titles, and a signature upset over No. 6 Texas A&M in 2022 that earned national acclaim.

Most recently, Clark served as offensive line coach at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he continued to inspire players and colleagues alike.

UCF head coach Scott Frost shared,

“Shawn was so much more than a coach. He was a remarkable man, husband, and father who cared deeply about his players and staff. The reaction of our players and coaches to the news is a testament to Shawn’s character and the impact he had on every life he touched.”

Clark’s leadership, integrity, and passion for the game made him a beloved figure throughout the college football world. His legacy as a player, coach, and mentor continues to shine brightly, rooted in the lessons he first learned at Fork Union.

Shawn Clark is survived by his wife, Jonelle, and their two children, Giana and Braxton.

Fork Union Military Academy extends its deepest condolences to the Clark family, the Appalachian State and UCF communities, and all who were impacted by his life and leadership.

“A hardworking man is a lucky man.” – Fork Union Proverb