Amb. Crocker Named Dean of TAMU’s Bush School of Govt

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Former US Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker who retired from the Foreign Service earlier this year was recently named Dean of Texas A&M University’s George H. Bush School of Government and Public Service.

The Board of Regents has approved the appointment of Ambassador Crocker effective January 25, 2010. The school’s announcement said that Ambassador Crocker was selected for the post following an extensive national search. Interim Provost Karan L. Watson cited Crocker’s executive experience and almost four decades of service to the nation as key reasons for his selection. “Ambassador Crocker’s distinguished career as a Foreign Service officer and his strong managerial and communication skills will serve him well as he leads the Bush School in its next stage of development,” said Watson.

In his new role, Ambassador will build on the Bush School’s strong programs in public service and international affairs that developed under the leadership of Richard A. Chilcoat, who served as the Bush School’s first permanent dean from July 2001 through December 2008.

Crocker received a B.A. in English and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Whitman College (Washington). He also pursued graduate studies in public policy as a Mid-Career Fellow at Princeton University.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service, and the Presidential Meritorious Service Award. He also holds the State Department Distinguished Honor Award, Award for Valor, three Superior Honor Awards, the American Foreign Service Association Rivkin Award, and the Robert C. Frasure Memorial Award for “exceptional courage and leadership” in Afghanistan. In 2004, President George W. Bush conferred on him the personal rank of Career Ambassador, the highest in the Foreign Service.

In January 2009, Crocker received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian award. In May 2009, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the establishment of the Ryan C. Crocker Award for Outstanding Achievement in Expeditionary Diplomacy.”

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