His time here was brief, but productive.
Dr. Joseph Bragin, provost at Missouri Western State University, retires today after three years in that role. The university made the announcement late Tuesday.
"I think it's a good time to leave," Dr. Bragin said. "The university is in great shape."
Serving as the second in command, Dr. Bragin worked closely with the development of Western's first-ever graduate programs. Residential halls filled to capacity under his watch, and he played a part in getting research space added to the work-in-progress addition to the science and math building, a first for the university in undergraduate research.
"We're well on our way in getting accreditation for the school of business," said Dr. Bragin, who in conversation Tuesday spoke as if he's still working on projects for the university.
Dr. Bragin came to Western from Marshall University in West Virginia. He has held various administrative positions throughout the country during his career, including a teaching/research position at NASA's Ames Research Center.
But after 50 years in academia, he's not calling it quits all together - He said he's got "feelers out" for higher education administrative positions on the West and East coasts. His children, who he'll visit next week, live in San Francisco. Dr. Bragin also has friends in Washington, D.C., where he formerly worked for the National Science Foundation. He plans to look at the housing market there as he and his wife consider their options.
"I appreciate Dr. Bragin's service," said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Western's president, in a news release. "Under his leadership, Western has maintained excellent academic standards in our undergraduate education while adding graduate programs that serve the needs of the region's employers."
Dr. Bragin received his bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, and his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Dr. Jeanne Daffron, associate provost for academic and student affairs and interim dean of graduate studies, takes over as interim provost today.
Jimmy Myers can be reached at jimmym@npgco.com.
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