LU announces new executive director of campus operations

Lamar University is pleased to announce that Robert (Bert) Wagner, Ph.D., has been selected as the new executive director of campus operations. Wagner is known to many on LU’s campus from his previous roles in human resources and the Undergraduate Advising Center.

As executive director, Wagner will have oversight of several critical departments, including contract

management, property management, the post office, parking, sustainability and shipping and receiving. Wagner’s duties will also include campus events, insurance management, real estate, facility use and other support services/units as assigned. Wagner will remain engaged in support of LU’s COVID-19 response.

Prior to joining Lamar University, Wagner had a highly successful career as a Marine, attaining the rank of colonel and serving in many roles, including Naval flight officer, test pilot, accident investigator and director of the Marine Safety and Standardization Department. He was also an assistant professor of naval science at Texas A&M University.

After his military career, Wagner worked in a variety of roles with Continental Airlines, the City of Claremore, Okla., the Williams Companies, Baker Hughes, the EMCOR Group and the University of Phoenix.

In addition to his doctorate from Texas A&M in industrial and vocational education, Wagner holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, an M.B.A. from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Wagner begins his position as executive director of campus operations on Aug. 4, 2020.