Drake University Welcomes New Leadership at John Dee Bright College
In a significant leadership transition, Drake University has appointed Professor Megan Brown as the new Dean of John Dee Bright College. Succeeding Craig Owens, Brown becomes the second dean of the college, which offers associate degrees in Business, Organization, and Professional Studies, and the Integrated Arts, Sciences and Humanities. Owens continues his journey at Drake as the Executive Director of the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement.
Brown, who has been with Drake for two decades, was instrumental in founding the college and has served as its associate dean since 2022. Her extensive leadership roles include positions such as director of writing, faculty athletics representative, and English Department Chair. In recognition of her dedication, she was awarded the Madelyn M. Levitt Teacher of the Year in 2025.
Drake University Provost Sue Mattison expressed her confidence in Brown’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to fill such a key leadership position with one of Drake’s own and finest faculty members. Dr. Brown is already well-known and highly respected across campus.”
Academic Achievements and Contributions
Brown, originally from New York, obtained her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in English from Amherst College, followed by a master’s and a doctorate in English from Penn State University. Her academic contributions include two authored books and a co-edited volume, along with publications in respected journals such as Assay: A Journal of Nonfiction Studies and Cultural Studies.
Her teaching repertoire at Drake includes nonfiction narrative and contemporary U.S. literature, through which she has earned accolades like the Dean and Sue Wright Arts & Sciences Teacher of the Year: 2016–2017. Her excellence in teaching was also recognized at Penn State University with the Outstanding Teaching Award for Graduate Students in 2002.
The appointment of Brown coincides with a record high in enrollment at Bright College, marking a 30.6% increase in new students compared to the previous year. Brown commented on the college’s growth, “Bright College is on an upward trajectory in large part due to the skillful leadership and inspiring vision of Dean Owens.”
About John Dee Bright College
John Dee Bright College offers an accessible path to higher education, allowing students to earn an associate of arts degree with assured admission to Drake University for pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Since its inception in fall 2021, the college has witnessed successful outcomes, with the first cohort achieving a 100% graduation rate in May 2023.
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