Interim Provost

Dale J. Brugh

Interim Provost

Education

• B.A., Wabash College
• Ph.D., University of Utah

About

Dale Brugh is Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Ohio Wesleyan University. As chief academic officer, he leads Academic Affairs, working with division chairs, department chairs, and program directors to support the university's academic departments and programs, faculty, and students. His responsibilities include faculty affairs, the Smith Center for Faculty Excellence, OWU Libraries, Information Services, the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Academic Advising, and the Sagan Academic Resource Center. He also oversees the OWU Connection and its associated offices, centers, and programs, including Career Connection and International and Off-Campus Programs.

Brugh's work brings these areas together around a shared purpose: helping students develop the knowledge, judgment, and confidence to make thoughtful choices and contribute to the world around them. He sees a liberal arts education as a foundation for self-discovery. Through sustained inquiry, close mentoring, and opportunities to put ideas into practice, students explore their interests and test their assumptions. Reflecting on what they learn about themselves and the world helps them develop a clearer sense of direction while remaining open to new possibilities. As a first-generation college graduate, he is particularly attentive to making the university's expectations clear and transparent while helping students find and use the opportunities and support available to them.

Brugh's approach to leadership begins with respect for colleagues' knowledge and judgment. He guides colleagues through candid discussion, drawing on evidence and differing perspectives to establish shared priorities, weigh tradeoffs, and make thoughtful choices that account for available resources. He emphasizes clear responsibilities for putting decisions into practice. He promotes continuous improvement by encouraging colleagues to assess results, learn from experience, and refine their work.

Brugh emphasizes responsive service to faculty, staff, and students across Academic Affairs. He works with colleagues to simplify processes, remove administrative barriers, and use technology thoughtfully so that routine details take less time and attention. The goal is to free everyone to focus on the human interactions at the heart of teaching, advising, and working together.

Since joining Ohio Wesleyan in 1999, Brugh has served in faculty governance and academic administration. He chaired the Academic Status Committee and the Faculty Personnel Committee before serving as Associate Dean for Innovation and Technology. From 2019 to 2026, he held associate provost roles with responsibilities spanning institutional effectiveness, accreditation, academic planning, faculty support, and resource management. He became interim provost in June 2026.

Brugh is also Professor of Chemistry. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry at Wabash College and his doctorate in physical chemistry at the University of Utah. He then held a National Research Council postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.