He replaces Ann Brown, who retired in the spring, after 25 years at the university. She had served as the director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards since 1999 and helped the office celebrate its 10th anniversary last spring.

In his new role, Bute will be responsible for helping graduate and undergraduate students compete for prestigious national awards such as the Goldwater, Udall and Truman. In 2007-08, students claimed a school-record 75 nationally competitive awards.

"Brandon was selected because he has the energy and vision to continue the success of the office and also the ability to build and grow the program in new directions," said Honors Tutorial College Dean Jeremy Webster. "His past experiences in counseling and mentoring students in one-on-one situations will serve him well in this job."

Bute said he is excited about the opportunity to lead the hugely successful ONCA office.

"I hope to continue building the national reputation ONCA has already established over the last 10 years," Bute said. "The opportunity to foster personal, intellectual and professional development with high caliber, high achieving students is extremely exciting."

Bute joined the Office of Career Services in June 2007, where he provided career counseling as the liaison to students in the Scripps College of Communication, the College of Business and Honors Tutorial College. He also served as senior assistant director in the absence of the office's director.

He has served on several committees since arriving to Ohio University, including the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards Advisory Committee and the Division of Student Affairs' Quarters to Semesters Planning Committee.

Prior to Ohio University, Bute worked almost five years as assistant director for graduate school planning and marketing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Career Center. Among his many responsibilities were coordinating the center's marketing plan and providing career counseling and graduate school planning for students.

Additionally, he held positions in admissions and scholarships and financial aid at Ball State University from 1998 to 2002.

Bute received his bachelor's degree in telecommunications and master's degree in student affairs administration from Ball State University in 1997 and 2002, respectively.

The Anderson, Ind., native is married to Jennifer Bute, an assistant professor in the School of Communication Studies.

"This ONCA position was perfect convergence of all my past experiences and skills," Bute said. "The excitement of seeing students discover so much about themselves by simply going through the process of applying for a nationally competitive award is very fulfilling for me."