New College of Public Affairs Dean to Focus on ‘Greater Good’
Category: Noteworthy
Hartley teaches a graduate class at Western Carolina University. In July, he will begin his new post as dean of UB’s College of Public Affairs. photo courtesy of Roger Hartley
Roger E. Hartley, newly appointed dean of UB’s College of Public Affairs, will arrive in July ready to hit the ground running. After his appointment was announced in January, he began visiting UB to meet faculty, staff, students and alumni. His goal: lifting the college’s reputation to the next level—higher recognition, higher expectations and a greater understanding of its public value.
“The College of Public Affairs is relatively new, but it’s already a dynamic force throughout the region, establishing leaders in public service, in government [and] nonprofits and on the streets,” Hartley says. “We have a hard-working, thoughtful community, excited about teaching, research and making a difference in people’s lives. Together, they’re creating social change and building great programs. I’m excited to work alongside them.”
Hartley comes to UB from Western Carolina University, where he has served as director of the Master of Public Affairs program and as professor of political science and public affairs. He also has managed student recruitment, curriculum scheduling, alumni support, accreditation and more.
Earlier in his career, Hartley was an administrator and scholar at the University of Arizona as well as at Roanoke College, the City University of New York and others. His many accolades include Western Carolina’s 2014 First Year Advocate award in recognition of his faculty work toward student success. He also recently completed a term on the executive council of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. Hartley holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia, and he earned a B.S. in Public Affairs from Indiana University.
Now, he’s excited for his next challenge. “The people of this college take on problems facing our communities every day—they directly touch the lives of others,” he says. “It demonstrates that higher education holds tremendous value for all Marylanders. I believe there are few callings higher than public service. I want to amplify what UB is doing and then help to strengthen it. I will work tirelessly so that everyone knows what the ‘bees’ in the college do for the greater good.”
