Daniel J. Pugh, Sr. Named Vice President For Student Affairs

Daniel J. Pugh, Sr., who currently serves as vice provost for student affairs at the University of Arkansas, has been named vice president for student affairs at Texas A&M University. Pugh’s appointment, effective Aug. 1, was approved Wednesday (May 27) by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents following the recommendation of Texas A&M President Michael K. Young.

Young said Pugh was selected following a nationwide search conducted by a broad-based university advisory committee that included faculty, staff and students. The search produced more than 40 nominations and applications, he noted.

“Dr. Pugh stood out among those in the excellent pool of candidates for this key position and we are obviously pleased that he has accepted our offer to join Texas A&M’s executive team,” Young said. “We are confident that he will build on the great programs we already have—expanding and developing them even more—and also bring new ideas and perspectives that will make our initiatives and services in student affairs even more extraordinary.”

Pugh will report directly to President Young.

Texas A&M has one of the largest student bodies in the nation, and is increasingly more diversified. Also, it is a leader nationally in attracting National Merit Scholars and other high-achieving students. The university has more than 1,000 student organizations, including the Corps of Cadets, the largest student organization of its type in the nation and which provides more officers to the U.S. armed forces than any entity other than the service academies.

“I am most excited about beginning my work with the students of Texas A&M. Without exception, every Aggie student with whom I have interacted has expressed a deep and abiding love for this institution,” Pugh said. “What a powerful testament of the connection between students and their institution, and I eagerly look forward to being part of that relationship.”

Pugh adds that he and his family especially appreciate President Young, the Board of Regents, Provost Karan Watson, members of the search committee and the entire Division of Students Affairs for their support. “I will do my absolute best every day to live out the Aggie core values and honor A&M’s rich traditions as we collectively endeavor to assume our place as the preeminent research university.”

Pugh will be joined by his wife, Denice, and their two sons, Daniel and David.

In addition to serving as the senior student affairs officer for the University of Arkansas, Pugh holds an appointment there as an associate professor of higher education in the College of Education and Health Professions’ Higher Education Leadership Program. He also currently serves as the civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Arkansas.

Previously, he served as associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Arkansas and associate vice president and dean of students at Eastern Washington University. He has held numerous leadership positions in professional associations, including the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) James E. Scott Leadership Academy and the executive committee for the Council of Student Affairs in the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). Additionally, he is active with numerous national associations related to student affairs.

Pugh received a B.S. in communications and a M.S. in college student personnel from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia’s Institute of Higher Education.

Tom Reber, Texas A&M’s associate vice president for student affairs, has served as interim vice president since the departure of Gen. Joe Weber, who resigned to accept the position of chief executive officer (CEO) of the Texas Department of Transportation.

“We especially want to recognize Mr. Tom Reber for his service as interim vice president over the last year,” noted President Young. “His commitment to the student experience and unique role of student affairs team members during this period has been exceptional.”