Bass thumps softly as Kyle Clark scans the room, eyes flicking between the crowd and his laptop. A subtle smile spreads across his face as he queues the next track, weaving an acapella from a classic hit into a modern beat. For a moment, the room comes alive with energy, people bobbing and swaying to the rhythm he carefully curates. This side of Clark few at the Moody College campus see. He is the DJ behind the desk, the one who reads a room just as easily as he reads a student in his office.

As associate dean of student affairs at the Moody College of Communication, Clark blends mentorship and artistry, whether he’s advising student leaders or spinning vinyl at campus events. His passion for music and DJing shapes how he connects with students, showing them that balance and self-expression are just as vital as academics. His journey proves that leadership can live anywhere — even behind a pair of turntables.

Guided by a dedication to helping students navigate college life, Clark views leadership as more than administrative decisions. It’s about listening first, understanding individual needs, and building community across campus.

“Even in my administrator world, I often suggest music as a natural remedy,” Clark said. “It helps us get through our day, whether it is a stressful assignment or something more personal. Sometimes it is just about starting a conversation: ‘Are you into music?’ That can open the door to so much more.”

Clark’s DJ journey began as a personal outlet and a way to connect with people through sound. For more than 20 years, he has played at weddings, campus events and community gatherings, using music to bring people together and create moments that stay with them. Whether he’s blending a classic like “Wobble” into a modern remix or reading the crowd to find the perfect next track, Clark said he finds joy in brightening someone’s day and giving them something new to dance to. 

“If we are playing music or listening to music together, we are creating community,” Clark said. “Creating core memories in the same space with others is what connects people. That is what I try to bring both as a DJ and as a dean.” 

Clark says the skills he uses as a DJ translate easily to his role on campus. Reading the room, finding the right rhythm, and creating a sense of connection are just as important in student affairs as they are on the dance floor.

“Leading an event, whether it is a dance floor or a student workshop, is about responding to the energy in front of you,” Clark said. “It is about connection, and that is the heart of leadership.”

He encourages students to make time for their passions, even amid academic pressures. Spending time on music, art, or other interests helps students stay balanced, manage stress and develop skills outside the classroom. Even small moments devoted to what they enjoy can make a big difference. 

“Balance comes with highs and lows. You do not have to spend hours perfecting your craft. Just make time for it. That pursuit gets you closer to balance, and balance is what helps you go through life with purpose and energy,” Clark said. 

Madison Morris, a University of Texas at Austin alumna and Class of 2024 graduate, worked closely with Clark as an advising and student support intern at Moody College during the summer of 2023. She saw firsthand how his mentorship extends beyond traditional guidance, offering support for both professional development and personal growth.

“He was always super nice and welcoming,” Morris said. “He helped me navigate [life decisions]. He reassured me that pursuing my passions, even in a competitive industry like sports media, was the right path.” 

Guiding students or crafting a DJ set requires attentiveness, adaptability and the ability to bring people together. Lessons from one world often inform the other, creating a continuous cycle of learning and connection. 

“It is all about connection. That is what drives me, and it is what I hope students take away from my example,” Clark said.

Search "djmotivate" on streaming platforms to hear Dean Clark's beats!