Dr. Frank B. Ashley III is Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, and he is also currently serving as the Director of Diversity Initiatives for the University. 

He came to the Bush School from the College Board, where he was Senior Vice President of Membership and Higher Education Engagement. 

As Senior Associate Dean, Dr. Ashley oversees 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 the Bush School. He also teaches the Managing Diversity in Public and Nonprofit Organizations course. 

Ashley teaches students about diversity in nonprofit organizations and how diversity not only includes racial and sexual differences it also includes differences in ability, sexual orientation, religion, culture, immigration status and other areas. Ashley said he enjoys being a devil’s advocate in his courses because he wants to ensure that his students will leave the class knowing how to defend the various positions they may take on a subject. He tackles tough issues like culture, race, and religion and enjoys challenging the points of view of his students. Ashley frequently expresses that he has hope for the future of the state, country and world because of the students of the Bush School who desire to enter public service and make a difference. 

“When I go home every day, I know our world is going to be okay,” Ashley said, “The thing that gets me excited about this place is the passion that I see in every student that I interact with for serving others.” 

His favorite part of teaching is interacting with students, and he feels he is called to be at the Bush School. Ashley believes every student could benefit from enrolling in a class in diversity and stressed the importance of diversity in the current political climate in America. Leaders of organizations need to understand the role that diversity and inclusion plays in allowing each member to feel accepted.

Ashley began his academic career as a science teacher and coach. His previous appointments include faculty positions and service as Dean of the College of Education and Interim Provost-Vice President for Academic Affairs at Texas A&M University-Commerce as well as Director of Admissions and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Teacher Education in Texas A&M University’s College of Education. From 2007 to 2010, Dr. Ashley served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the Texas A&M University System, where he served as Chief Academic Officer for the System and represented the System at the state level on all academic issues. In 2010, he was named Vice Chancellor for Recruitment and Diversity and Chief of Staff. In this position, he collected and analyzed system data on diversity and assisted system universities and agencies in recruiting and retaining diverse students, faculty, and staff. 

As a former College Board trustee, Dr. Ashley also has served on boards and committees for numerous other organizations, including the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, CHI St. Joseph Health, the North American Society for Sport Management, and the Commerce Independent School District. He currently serves as the Chair of the Clinical Operations Board of St. Luke’s Health. He was also a member of the editorial board of both the Journal of Applied and Athletics Research in Coaching and the International Journal of Sports Management.