Danny Pugh Invested as Civilian Aide to Secretary of the Army

The newest civilian aide to the secretary of the Army (CASA) was invested during a ceremony conducted recently at the Pentagon.

Daniel J. Pugh, University of Arkansas vice provost for student affairs, was selected by Secretary of the Army John McHugh to represent Arkansas.

"Thank you for the great privilege to serve our Army soldiers and their families. I will work to support and recognize their selfless service on behalf of all Arkansans," Pugh said.

"Dr. Pugh will make excellent contributions to the CASA program. In addition to his leadership roles at Arkansas' largest university, he is well acquainted with community leaders statewide," said Jimmy Collins, a former native of Arkansas and current CASA for the state of Washington, who nominated Pugh for the position. "His personal sponsorship of the ROTC program and the veterans' initiatives on campus provide a base understanding of Army personnel needs. We look forward to his contributions to the CASA program."

CASAs are a vital part of the Army, promoting good relations between the Army and the public and advising the secretary about regional issues.

"You're here today because of your desire to serve in a very special way," McHugh said. "The support you will provide the Army and our soldiers is a great service to Arkansas and our nation."

Each state, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories have one or more CASAs appointed to provide a vital link between the Army and the communities for which they serve. CASAs are usually business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.

Pugh earned a bachelor's degree in communications, advertising and a master's degree in education from University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He continued his education at the University of Georgia, where he earned his doctorate of philosophy in higher education. Pugh has a distinguished career in higher education and currently serves in a joint appointment as the vice provost for student affairs at the University of Arkansas and an associate professor of higher education in the College of Education and Health Professionals' Higher Education Leadership Program. In 2009, he helped found the Veterans Resource and Information Center, which now ranks among the best campus-based veterans programs in the nation.

CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service, followed by possible appointment as a CASA Senior for 10 additional years. The secretary may recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 20 years of service. To date, more than 500 individuals have served the Army and the nation as a CASA.