Dr. Daniel A. Brown

An experienced higher education administrator, Dr. Dann Brown has spent nearly 20 years serving in virtually every facet of academic administration on regional comprehensive, doctoral-granting, and Emerging Research University campuses in New Mexico and Texas. These experiences have enabled him to develop and implement policies and processes within complex organizations that promote effective and efficient operations and support achieving strategic goals for academic program development, enrollment, learning, and student success.

During his career, Dann has been responsible for faculty recruitment, retention, and promotion; directed and approved the development of new academic programs in agriculture, computer engineering, computational mathematics, strategic communications, and an innovative online alternative teacher licensure program; led the development of academic policies; managed off-site instructional programs with extensive experience with online programs; implemented transformational change initiatives; implemented technologies streamlining advising and registration; collaborated with colleagues from all Colleges and Divisions, especially in support of enrollment management; managed complex budgets; and led successful assessment, accreditation, and planning efforts. Lamar University rose from R3 to R2 due to increased research productivity during his tenure as Provost. Dann’s commitment to serving his profession includes serving as president of the Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and the New Mexico Higher Education Assessment Association, and working with community groups in the Austin, TX MSA to build a college-going culture and promote student success.

Dann earned his Ph.D. in plant pathology from Oklahoma State University and MS/BS in biology from Pittsburg State University. He began his faculty career at Eastern New Mexico University, where he taught biology and agriculture, launched new degree programs, and served as coordinator of Freshman Studies. Dann has worked at three Hispanic-serving institutions and authored, received, and directed over $23 million in U.S. Department of Education Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions grants. He has served as an external consultant and evaluator on student success, HSI, and organizational effectiveness. As a faculty member, his work has focused on the relationship between plants and microbes resulting in disease under changing environmental conditions, and more recently, on best practices for student success.

Dann and his wife, Lisa, enjoy campus seminars, presentations, performances, and athletic competitions, and are active in their community. Their son, Michael, is interested in continuing his education in the allied health sciences. They also enjoy the outdoors, movies, books, and their two highly spirited pugs, Gracie and Angie.