Dr. Adolfo Santos, Arkansas Tech University executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, that Dr. Michael Bradley will serve as dean of the Arkansas Tech University College of Research and Graduate Studies effective Jan. 2, 2025.
A member of the ATU faculty since 2020, Bradley is associate professor of parks, recreation and hospitality administration. He served as interim head of the ATU Department of Agriculture and Tourism during the fall 2023 semester and was appointed to the position on a permanent basis as of Dec. 1, 2023.
“We had three outstanding candidates for the position of dean of the College of Research and Graduate Studies, and I am grateful for their willingness to be considered for the role,” said Santos. “Dr. Michael Bradley is an outstanding leader at ATU, and he has impressed me and others with his creative thinking, ability to gather and analyze data, energy and work ethic. I am confident Dr. Bradley will lead the College of Research and Graduate Studies effectively, collaboratively and with an eye toward growth.”
Bradley holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University, a Master of Science degree from Western Illinois University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Oklahoma State University.
He is serving as 2024-25 national president of the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals and is secondary investigator on a $500,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation that is directed to the establishment of the Arkansas Trail Management Institute.
“Education has always held a special place in my heart,” said Bradley. “It changed the trajectory of my life, and my graduate education, in particular, was among the most important and transformative years of my journey. I am passionate about investing in students so they can experience similar growth and life-changing opportunities. ATU is such a special institution…a place where people discover their paths and pursue their dreams, and I am excited to be part of this community.”
Bradley went on to say that he enjoys research because it provides him with the opportunity to pursue lifelong learning and share the knowledge he gains with others.
“For that reason, this is an especially exciting opportunity…to support others on their research journeys while also learning from them and expanding my own horizons along the way,” said Bradley. “Helping foster an environment of curiosity and discovery is something I look forward to in this role.”
Bradley expressed appreciation to one of his mentors, ATU faculty member Dr. Cathi McMahan, for the role she has played in preparing him.
“She is an incredible person and an inspiring reflection of what it means to be part of ATU,” said Bradley. “Her belief in me as a valuable addition to the ATU faculty is both humbling and motivating. I am also deeply thankful for my colleagues in my department. They allowed me the honor of leading the team and shaping our shared vision. I am equally grateful to my two previous deans, whose unwavering support helped me navigate the challenges and opportunities of academic leadership.
“I really enjoy sports analogies,” continued Bradley. “This new role is a tremendous honor, and I view it as a new inning for the College of Research and Graduate Studies. I look forward to leading this talented team onto the field as we work together to write the next chapter. Finally, I want to thank the ATU community. My years here have been both interesting…having arrived during the pandemic…and incredible. I look forward to our future and the journey ahead.”
