After nearly a decade at Ashland University Interim Provost Gregory McBrayer, Ph.D is preparing for a new chapter in his life, leaving behind a legacy shaped by teaching, commitment and leadership.
McBrayer, also an associate professor in the Department of History and Political Science, is in his ninth year at Ashland University. During his time on campus, he has served as faculty senate president for two years and spent eight years as director of core curriculum, helping shape the academic foundation for students.
In the classroom, McBrayer teaches a range of courses, including Political Science 101, known as “Understanding Politics,” as well as Rhetoric and Ancient Political Thought, his area of expertise. His rhetoric course, which examines classic speeches from history, is his favorite to teach.
“I feel it is one class where people walk away with real skills learned and knowledge gained,” he said.
McBrayer’s path was not always a clear one. In his undergraduate years, he was uncertain about the future until discovering Greek philosophy in his junior year. By his senior year, he knew he wanted to study it for the rest of his life.
After earning his master’s degree from the University of Georgia and a doctorate from the University of Maryland, where he completed his dissertation on Aristotle, McBrayer began his teaching career at Gettysburg College.
“I don’t know if I was any good at it, but I took to it like a fish to water,” McBrayer said. “The first time I stepped into a college classroom, I learned how inspiring it can be to work with people that want to learn.”
Despite his passion, the road to a stable academic career was difficult. McBrayer worked as an itinerant professor, taking positions at multiple institutions before securing a full-time role.
“It wasn’t an easy road to employment,” he said. “One year I was employed as an adjunct professor, and they didn’t pay me enough to get a parking pass. I’d park a town over and walk through the woods and a creek just to get to work.”
His opportunity at AU came when he was encouraged to apply for a position directing the political-economy program. During the hiring process, the dean recognized his broader passion for education andsteered him toward the role of core curriculum director instead.
“I’m glad she saw that in me,” he explained. “I was a much better fit for the core curriculum program; I care that students get a well-rounded education.”
Throughout his time at AU, McBrayer said he has seen a strong student interest in foundational texts and ideas. That enthusiasm is what he values most about teaching.
“It is amazing to read great books with impressive young people, to expose them to some of the best writings ever written, and to see their minds come alive in person,” he remarked.
Outside of the classroom, McBrayer spends his time reading, traveling, and engaging with the community. He co-founded F3 Ashland, a workout group focused on building friendships among men and is active in Park Street Church.
But now, with two young children, much of his free time is now devoted to family time.
McBrayer will be leaving Ashland University to join Miami University as an associate director of a new civic center, which will bring him closer to family.
While excited for his new beginnings, he describes his dominant emotion as the sadness of leaving Ashland. Reflecting on his years at Ashland University, McBrayer said the relationships he built stand out most.
“I really enjoyed building special things here,” McBrayer said.
As he departs, McBrayer offers advice to students: read widely, study abroad, and study things you think you do not have interest in.
“You will never again have as much freedom as you do now to determine your path in life,” he said. “The best education is the one that prepares you to live life as a free adult.”
