Reggie Bostick, Principal Faculty Specialist at ARLIS, has been selected for an important role on the University of Maryland’s Special Committee on Policy Review. His career journey proves that leadership and service go hand in hand with making a difference, and even having a little fun along the way. For Bostick, this new position is just another way he’s making a difference at UMD, but it’s far from the only way he’s contributing to the university and his community.
Recently appointed by the UMD Senate Executive Committee, Bostick’s role will involve reviewing and updating university policies and his insights will help guide the potential creation of a permanent-standing committee for policy review, making his contribution even more significant.
Before he joined academia, Bostick had an impressive military career in the U.S. Army. He rose to high-ranking positions, such as Commander of the 4th Psychological Operations Group and Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In his special assistant position, Bostick traveled to over 40 countries, accompanying the Assistant Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. Secretary of State, providing strategic guidance and advising on military policy and national security issues. He coordinated military efforts, managed special operations, and made sure U.S. defense strategies were aligned with diplomatic goals.
Not content with just his military and academic accomplishments, Bostick is also a part-time actor! Yes, an actor! You may have seen him as an extra in the popular Netflix show, House of Cards (talk about a plot twist!). Though it’s not his primary career focus, it’s just another way that Bostick brings his diverse experiences into every aspect of his life.
In addition to his work at UMD, Bostick is passionate about giving back to his community. He co-founded and is the Executive Vice President of DMV Does Good, a nonprofit organization created during the COVID-19 pandemic to address food insecurity in the Washington, D.C. area. Brianna Gist, Faculty Research Specialist at ARLIS, also serves on the board. Through this organization, Bostick and his team organize events like packing parties, where volunteers assemble thousands of food items to be donated to various shelters in the community. This month they are supporting Women’s History Month by providing thousands of items for local women’s shelters.
Bostick’s influence is also felt in other areas of UMD, where he serves on the ARLIS Executive Advisory Committee and the Visiting to Permanent Professor of the Practice Committee. In addition to those, he’s involved in UMD’s ADVANCE Program, which works to foster diversity and inclusion in academia. These roles allow him the opportunity to further enhance the university’s culture and support the next generation of leaders.
Reggie Bostick’s election to the UMD Special Committee on Policy Review adds another exciting chapter to his already impressive career. Whether he's serving as a military leader, advising on national security, advancing cutting-edge research, supporting local nonprofits, or even acting on screen, Bostick continues to demonstrate that leadership, service, and a little fun can all come together in a great way.
From the Pentagon to Hollywood, Bostick proves that no matter your path, you can always make a lasting impact.