PROVO — After spending the last 21 years at Ohio University, Benjamin Ogles is returning to Brigham Young University to take the position of dean of the College of Family, Home and Social Sciences.
Ogles, who will take over his new post on Friday, has served as the chair and director of clinical training at the Department of Psychology as well as the dean of Arts and Sciences at Ohio located in Athens, Ohio, over the last two decades, and he credits his experiences at the public institution as preparation for BYU.
"I'm a BYU graduate myself, so in many ways it's a homecoming for me," Ogles said. "There are definite differences between public and private institutions, and BYU has a unique mission. If I wasn't intrigued by that or had a great appreciation for that, I wouldn't be coming back."
The college is composed of departments using unique approaches to study human behavior. Over the five-year period of Ogles' deanship, he said he is excited to familiarize himself with the different programs offered to students.
"I'm a social scientist and a clinical psychologist," Ogles said. "One of my first jobs when I arrive is to become intimately familiar with the programs. All the areas have visible research that makes a difference."
In a pool of many highly qualified applicants, Ogles stood out among the crowd for his experiences and desire to continue the college's mission.
"Dr. Ogles received strong support from the faculty, from the search committee and from the BYU Administration and Board of Trustees," said Brent Webb, academic vice president at BYU, in a letter to college faculty. "He has a wonderful combination of experiences that prepare him well for this new responsibility."
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