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Media Release
Chancellor Fingerhut Names John A. Brighton Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and System Integration
For Immediate Release | February 3, 2010
COLUMBUS – Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut announced today that Dr. John A. Brighton, acclaimed university administrator and national-level policymaker, joined his staff Feb. 2 as vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and System Integration. Dr. Brighton most recently served as consultant and advisor to the dean and College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, and has held distinguished positions across the nation in higher education, science and engineering.
Dr. Brighton oversees the Division of Academic Affairs and System Integration, which advances elements of Ohio's Strategic Plan for Higher Education in areas such as adult education, academic programs, dual enrollment, college readiness, and ensuring the University System of Ohio is a flexible network that serves students at all levels. He replaces the previous vice chancellor, Dr. Barbara Gellman-Danley, who became president of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College in October 2009.
"I am thrilled that Dr. Brighton has joined the Board of Regents," Chancellor Fingerhut said. "Dr. Brighton has shown extraordinary leadership and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and workforce diversity over the course of his career. He is a true asset to the University System of Ohio."
Dr. Brighton stated that he was fortunate to receive the appointment with the Board of Regents and to work with Eric Fingerhut and the staff who are making very significant progress in advancing higher education like no other I have seen.He began his career as a drafting apprentice for a cardboard box company in Indiana, which led to his earning an engineering degree from Purdue University, and then to professorships at Carnegie-Mellon University and Penn State University. He worked his way up through the academic ranks, was appointed chair of Michigan State University's Mechanical Engineering Department, and later moved to the Georgia Institute of Technology as the director of the School of Mechanical Engineering. Eventually, Dr. Brighton returned to Penn State as executive vice president and provost of the university and as a university professor and chair of the university's Teaching and Learning Consortium. He also served as provost of National-Louis University in Chicago.
Dr. Brighton's three most recent positions include his appointment as assistant director of engineering of the National Science Foundation from 2003-05, vice president for research and economic development at Iowa State University from 2005-08, and advisor to the dean and College of Engineering at The Ohio State University from 2008 until his position began with the Ohio Board of Regents.
Contact: Michael Chaney, Chief Communications Officer, Ohio Board of Regents
Office: (614) 752-9480 Cell: (614) 633-5909
E-mail: mchaney@regents.state.oh.us
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