Dr. Frank B. Ashley III, Senior Associate Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, was among those honored at the February 23, 2018, Appreciation Banquet held by the African American National Heritage Society and Museum.
Honorees are chosen by the Museum’s Board of Directors and are recognized for their significant contributions to the community, the museum, the state, or the nation. The event is the Museum’s largest fundraising event of the year and is attended by elected officeholders, Texas A&M University officials, and community leaders and supporters of the Museum.
“I’m humbled by this recognition and honored to be among the distinguished group of African American leaders,” Ashley said.
Ashley came to the Bush School from the College Board, where he was Senior Vice President of Membership and Higher Education Engagement. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana College and a master’s and doctorate from the University of Alabama. Initially a science teacher and coach, Ashley has held numerous faculty and administrative appointments within the Texas A&M University System and its member institutions. He served as Dean of the College of Education and Interim Provost at Texas A&M University-Commerce as well as Director of Admissions and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Teacher Education in Texas A&M University’s College of Education.
From 2007 to 2010, Ashley served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the Texas A&M University System. He served as Chief Academic Officer for the System and represented the System at the state level on all academic issues. In 2010, he was named Vice Chancellor for Recruitment and Diversity and Chief of Staff. In this position, he assisted System universities and agencies in diversity recruitment and retention.
“Frank Ashley absolutely deserves this recognition,” said Bush School Dean Mark Welsh. “He has been an important voice in the local community and in academic affairs within the Texas A&M System as well as nationally. We’re very proud that he is continuing that leadership at the Bush School. And, most importantly from my perspective, he’s a wonderful man and an inspirational role model for all of us lucky enough to call him friend.”
