New VP For Student Affairs, Daniel Pugh, Assumes His Duties

Daniel J. Pugh, Sr., the university’s new vice president for student affairs, says he is ready for the opportunity to delve into all things Aggie. He assumed his new post Monday (Aug. 3).

“I am so pleased to now be a part of Texas A&M University and have the opportunity to help in its continued advancement,” Pugh said. “I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Division of Student Affairs at A&M, which is renowned among our nation’s colleges and universities for our focus on student learning, traditions, core values, and student-centeredness.”

Pugh, who previously served as the senior student affairs officer at the University of Arkansas, takes over from Tom Reber, Texas A&M’s associate vice president for student affairs, who has served as interim vice president since the departure of Gen. Joe Weber. Gen. Weber resigned last year to accept the position of chief executive officer (CEO) of the Texas Department of Transportation.

“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,” Texas A&M President Michael Young said when Pugh’s appointment was announced at the May meeting of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “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.”

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 in conjunction with the announcement of his appointment. “What a powerful testament of the connection between students and their institution, and I eagerly look forward to being part of that relationship.

“I will do my absolute best every day to live out the Aggie core values and honor Texas A&M’s rich traditions as we collectively endeavor to assume our place as the preeminent research university,” added Pugh, who will report directly to President Young.

Pugh is joined here by his wife, Denice, and their two sons, Daniel and David.

Prior to heading student affairs at the University of Arkansas, Pugh served as associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students there and was 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.