Friday, October 31
Brunch and Keynote Speaker
Frank B. Ashley III, Ed.D., University Leader, Educator, and Coach
Leading with Heart, Acting with Honor
Frank Ashley has spent more than 35 years in the Texas A&M University System, and 25 of those years have been in leadership roles. Looking back on the many different titles he held over three decades, Ashley will share what he has learned and experienced – the good, the bad, and the ugly as it pertains to leadership and why there is a need today for “ethical” leaders.
This closing keynote will provide insights into what is “ethical leadership,” the need for ethical leaders, and a toolbox for developing ethical leaders.
Frank served as the executive associate dean of the Bush School of Government & Public Service from 2016 to 2023 and as interim dean from 2023 to 2024. Before coming to the Bush School, Ashley served as a senior vice president for the College Board Corporation in New York. In his over 40 years in education, Ashley has held various roles, including teacher, coach, and administrator.
After completing 18 years of service at Texas A&M-College Station as a faculty member, division chair, associate dean, and director of admissions, Ashley transitioned to another A&M System School, Texas A&M-Commerce, as dean of The College of Education. During his tenure he was very active in the surrounding school districts speaking to administrators, teachers, and students about the importance of education. Along with his work at the university, he served on the Commerce ISD School Board, and in 2006, he received “The Citizen of the Year Award” given by the Delta XI Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The following year Ashley received the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Faculty Senate of Texas A&M University- Commerce.
After three years in Commerce, Ashley returned to College Station as vice chancellor of academic affairs and later as vice chancellor for recruitment and diversity for the A&M System. His responsibilities included advising the Chancellor and Regents on academic and diversity issues across the System. For his service, he was awarded the title of Vice Chancellor Emeritus.
Ashley received his degrees from Louisiana College and The University of Alabama. He has numerous publications and presentations and is invited to present nationally and internationally. He is a Distinguish Alumni of Louisiana College and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from his alma mater in May 2023. In March 2022, Ashley was inducted into the University of Alabama College of Education Hall of Fame and, in 2024, he was named as a Millennium Scholar by the University of Alabama Graduate School. He and his wife Janice have two children, Frank IV and Elizabeth.