The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President of Texas A&M University has announced the appointment of Dr. Leonard Bright as assistant provost in the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies (OGAPS). Dr. Bright is currently assistant dean of graduate education and an associate professor at the Bush School. His new appointment is effective September 1.
Dr. Bright will now divide his time between his faculty appointment at the Bush School and his new responsibilities at OGAPS, said Dr. Karen Butler-Purry, associate provost for Graduate and Professional Studies. Dr. Butler-Purry noted that Dr. Bright brings extensive teaching, research, and administrative experience to OGAPS, and will aid its mission of providing quality support services to all Texas A&M graduate students, faculty, and staff.
Dr. Bright received his BA in psychology with honors from the University of South Florida, his master’s in public administration from the University of Idaho, and his PhD in public administration and policy from the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University. Prior to joining the Bush School faculty, Dr. Bright was the assistant and acting director of the Masters of Public Administration Program at the University of South Alabama, president of the Metropolitan Louisville Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, and president of the Southeastern Conference for Public Administration.
His research emphasis is on public sector human resource management, and he is considered to be a top national expert on motivation for public service.
Dr. Bright said he’s honored to be moving to his new position. “This is a great opportunity to contribute to the advancement of graduate education in the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies at the university level. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the Bush School as assistant dean, and I thank my colleagues for their support. I truly enjoyed working closely with them on initiatives to advance the Bush School. I know that I could not have accomplished anything good without their help and support,” he added.
“I’m pleased that Dr. Bright has been selected for this important position,” said Bush School Dean Mark Welsh. “He will strengthen the already strong ties between the Bush School and the University’s outstanding graduate education programs, and I know his experience at the School will be beneficial in his new position,” he added.
