Dr. Roger R. Reese, a professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of History at Texas A&M University, has been selected by The Bush School of Government and Public Service to receive the 2024 Inspiring the Spirit of Aggieland – The 41 Award.
This prestigious award recognizes a faculty or administrator whose leadership, example and character motivate others to share in their impact and exemplify the Aggie Core Values as well as those of the 41st President George H.W. Bush.
“It is evident that Dr. Reese’s commitment to serving others in all aspects of his life truly emulates the intent of this award," said Bush School Interim Dean Dr. Frank B. Ashley III. "Dr. Reese continues to be a beacon here at Texas A&M and in our community, and I am excited to recognize him as this year’s 41 Award recipient.”
The annual award was founded by and endowed through the generous support of Linda B. and Stephen H. Vincent ’73. Bush School Professor of the Practice Emeritus Dr. James “Jim” Olson was named the inaugural recipient in 2022, followed by College of Engineering Professor of the Practice Dr. Rodney Boehm in 2023.
I, as so many others, have embraced letting the little light in me shine by doing random acts of kindness, in all honesty, directly inspired by George H.W. Bush’s Points of Light program. His Points of Light program, which the 41 Award is in line with, inspires us to respect the value of the myriad little things we all can do either intently or opportunistically in service to others that build community.
The Vincents’ vision to recognize a person who embodies the intentionality and integrity of Texas A&M and the Bush School's beloved namesake, President Bush, has surpassed expectations with all three recipients.
“George H.W. Bush lived a life that exemplified the Core Values of Aggieland — a purposeful life to make the world a better place," Stephen Vincent said. "Each day, hundreds of professors and administrators at Texas A&M inspire us to follow the example of 41. Recognizing a truly outstanding role model with the Inspiring the Spirit of Aggieland – The 41 Award is an honor.”
Reese, who was nominated by his former students and colleagues, was cited for his integrity, leadership, and loyalty within Texas A&M and the history profession along with his humble selfless service to his community.
Reese received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in 1990 and joined the Texas A&M History faculty that same year. He specializes in Soviet social history and, more specifically, in the social history of the Imperial and Russian Soviet militaries. Reese is an accomplished scholar, having written five books on the Soviet and Russian military. His work has garnered major awards, including the Society for Military History's Moncado Prize recognizing an outstanding article on military history and the Tomlinson Book Prize for his book on the Russian Imperial Army. In all he does, Reese leads by example while upholding the highest standards of excellence.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Reese is deeply dedicated to his students and to enriching their educational experiences at Texas A&M. He has created innovative new courses, led study abroad trips to expose students to different cultures and perspectives and gone above and beyond in his teaching, even volunteering to teach overloads to cover for colleagues. Former students attest to how he has inspired and prepared them for success in their careers. Reese’s service extends to his department, college and university through his various committee roles and leadership positions.
“I, as so many others, have embraced letting the little light in me shine by doing random acts of kindness, in all honesty, directly inspired by George H.W. Bush’s Points of Light program," Reese said. "His Points of Light program, which the 41 Award is in line with, inspires us to respect the value of the myriad little things we all can do either intently or opportunistically in service to others that build community.”
This story was originally published by The Bush School of Government and Public Service.
