Jack grew up in Hastings, NE. He graduated from St. Francis Seminary in 1968 with his Undergraduate Degree in Philosophy. Jack received his PhD from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1973.
He joined the faculty at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1973 as a Medical Psychologist in the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics. As a tenured faculty member he treated patients, conducted research and provided training to medical students and professional staff. Dr. Stark has taught at all levels of education – preschoolers to medical residents – and on all 5 NU Campuses.
After leaving the medical center, he became a managing partner at Physicians Clinic, a multi-specialty medical clinic where he treated 10,000 patients as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.
Dr. Stark has consulted to more than 100 companies and many F-500 corporations on team-building and executive leadership.
He is the author or co-author of 12 books.
Jack’s passion has been as a sports psychologist. He has provided Performance Enhancement Skills and mentoring on more than 40 college campuses and with numerous pro teams. He has been a part of 22 national championship teams – three with the Nebraska Huskers in the 1990s, three at ND State, 8 with collegiate wrestling teams including UNO and 8 championships with NASCAR’s Hendrick Motorsports Team over the last 16 years as well as Olympic teams and Olympic medal winners. He has served as the Team Psychologist at UNO (30 years), UNL (15 years) and Creighton (16 years).
Dr. Stark established the National Center for Coaches to provide assistance to coaches and their staff, families and athletic departments.
Stark is active in local and national charitable organizations and foundations. Married 50 years, the Starks have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.