Clark University Mourns the Loss of Professor Amy Richter, Esteemed Historian and Beloved Educator
WORCESTER, Mass. — The Clark University community is grieving the loss of Professor Amy Richter, a cherished educator, historian, and department chair, who passed away on June 2, 2025, following a brief illness. Over her 25-year tenure at Clark, Professor Richter left an indelible mark through her teaching, leadership, and unwavering dedication to students.
Joining Clark’s History Department in 2000, Professor Richter specialized in 19th- and 20th-century American cultural history, with a particular emphasis on women’s and urban history. Her scholarly contributions include the books Home on the Rails: Women, the Railroad, and the Rise of Public Domesticity and At Home in Nineteenth-Century America: A Documentary History.
Beyond her academic achievements, Professor Richter was recognized for her exceptional mentorship and teaching. She received multiple honors, including Outstanding Teacher and Distinguished Academic Advisor of the Year, reflecting the profound impact she had on generations of students.
Her commitment to accessible education was evident in her role as the academic director of the Worcester chapter of The Clemente Course in the Humanities, a program offering free college-level education to adults facing economic hardship. Under her leadership, the program saw increased graduation rates and expanded opportunities for participants.
Colleagues remember Professor Richter for her warmth, humor, and humility. Dean of the College Laurie Ross remarked, “Everything she did was excellent. Whether it was drafting a proposal, mentoring a student, or leading a program — Amy brought thoughtfulness, clarity, and care to every task.”
Professor Richter also served as director of the Higgins School of Humanities (now the Alice Coonley Higgins Institute for Arts and Humanities) from 2013 to 2017, where she curated lecture series and campus events that engaged the Clark community with pressing social and cultural issues.
Her colleagues described her as a “master problem solver,” someone who navigated the complexities of academia with grace and humanity. Professor Elizabeth Imber called her “magical — brilliant, funny, kind. There was no problem she couldn’t think through.” Professor Nina Kushner added, “Amy had an eye for the little things. She noticed people. She appreciated beauty in the everyday — a new mug, a colorful scarf — and made you feel seen.”
As department chair, Professor Richter devoted countless hours to supporting faculty and fostering an environment where both students and colleagues could thrive. Her legacy is one of excellence, empathy, and enduring influence, resonating through the lives she touched within the classroom and the broader Worcester community.
Clark University has not yet announced details regarding memorial services. The community continues to honor Professor Richter’s memory and the profound impact of her life’s work.