Dr. Michael James Ash, Professor Emeritus in the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) at Texas A&M University, passed away on May 26. He was 78 years old.

Dr. Ash began his career at Texas A&M in 1973 when he became a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Educational Psychology (EPSY). He was eventually promoted to associate professor and professor.

From 1983 to 1991, Dr. Ash served as department head for EPSY. He then served nearly two years as an Associate Dean for SEHD, then known as the College of Education. He set goals and policies for graduate students and provided incentives and opportunities for faculty development. He also worked closely with the Dean as ombudsman for SEHD.

Dr. Ash taught courses in child and adolescent development, as well as adult development and aging. His research interests included multicultural development and giftedness and creativity in children.

A licensed psychologist and school psychologist, Dr. Ash’s early work focused on learning and children’s sports. He later expanded his work to support Head Start, the Brazos Valley Child Development Program, the Brazos Valley Legal Aid Foundation, Project Belong, a diversion program for juvenile shoplifters, and the Veterans’ Administration.

Dr. Ash’s commitment to the community also earned him recognition from the Brazos Valley Community Action Agency and the Brazos Valley African American Museum.

When he retired in 2010, he was granted the title of Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M.

Dr. Ash is survived by his wife Rose Marie, his daughters, Gwynne Ellen and Aimee Michelle, and his granddaughter, Hannah Marie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 7th, at the House on the Hill in Austin, Texas. All are welcome. Please contact the family or the venue for details.