Texas A&M University-Commerce interim provost Dr. Frank Ashley is returning to College Station. Only this time it will be as the chief academic and student affairs officer for the entire A&M System.
On Friday, the A&M System Board of Regents approved Ashley’s appointment as Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs. He will start his new position May 15, after commencement ceremonies at A&M-Commerce.
“This is a bittersweet moment for the University because we are pleased that Dr. Ashley will be leading the entire academic and student affairs activities of all the A&M universities and Health Science Center, yet we truly regret that he will be leaving,” said A&M-Commerce president Dr. Keith McFarland in an e-mail to faculty and staff.
Ashley will replace Leo Sayavedra, who has held the position since 1999. Sayavedra informed administrators in March that he planned to step down.
“We are delighted to bring Frank Ashley into a broader role at the A&M System,” A&M System Chancellor, Dr. Michael McKinney, said. “He is a recognized innovator in leading faculty and administrators through the day-to-day responsibilities of ensuring that our students receive a quality education. ”
Prior to becoming interim provost, Ashley was Dean of the College of Education and Human Services. He came to Commerce nearly three years ago from A&M-College Station.
In his first 18 years at A&M, he served as interim assistant provost for enrollment, director of admissions and associate dean for the College of Education.
“It is an honor to be asked to serve A&M in the position of Vice Chancellor,” Ashley said. “Though it will be tough leaving A&M-Commerce, I personally feel that I can have a positive impact on the University even more in my new position.”