Dean Mark Welsh has named Dr. Frank B. Ashley III as senior associate dean for Academic Affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. In this position, Ashley will be the second ranking administrator at the School and will oversee graduate education and research activities as well as strategic planning, faculty affairs, student affairs, program development, diversity, assessment, communications and external relations, student services, and extended education programs.
In an announcement Tuesday morning, Dean Welsh spoke of Dr. Ashley’s dedication to furthering higher education and how his previous experiences and insight will benefit the Bush School.
“Dr. Ashley’s leadership within the Texas A&M System and his connections through the College Board will help the Bush School further expand its linkages with peer institutions,” Welsh said. “[He] brings a lifetime of experience in higher education leadership to the Bush School,” Welsh said. “We are delighted to welcome him and his family back to Texas A&M in this new role.”
Ashley earned his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana College and a master’s and doctorate from the University of Alabama. His previous academic appointments include faculty positions as well as director of Admissions and interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Texas A&M University-Commerce, and associate dean for Undergraduate Studies and Teacher Education at Texas A&M University’s College of Education. Ashley also held several positions in the Texas A&M University System, including vice chancellor of Academic Affairs and vice chancellor of Recruitment and Diversity. Most recently, Dr. Ashley served as senior vice president of Membership and Higher Education Engagement at the College Board.
“Thirty years ago, I arrived at Texas A&M full of excitement and anticipation after completing my program. Today I am just as excited as that day because I am honored to come back to Aggieland and serve in the administration of the nationally ranked Bush School of Government and Public Service,” said Ashley.
A former College Board trustee, Ashley also has served on boards and committees for numerous other organizations, including the North American Society for Sport Management, the Commerce Independent School District, and the Development Education Subcommittee of the P–16 Education Council of the Texas Education Agency. He was also a member of both the Journal of Applied Research in Coaching and Athletics and the International Journal of Sports Management’s editorial boards. Ashley’s writing has been published in various academic journals and textbooks.
