Up Close and Personal: Q&A with Dr. Greg Bell, Dean of the UNCG Graduate School

by Tracey Gould

I had the opportunity to sit down with the new UNCG Graduate School Dean Dr. Greg Bell last week for an up close and personal conversation about his new role, his admiration for UNCG, and what motivates and inspires him day-to-day.

What does it mean to you to be appointed Dean of the Graduate School? And to be appointed Dean at UNCG?

From a functional perspective, serving as Dean of the Graduate School means I chart the course for graduate education at UNCG, ensuring that faculty and students have the tools they need to be successful. It’s a collaborative effort and very much relationship based. I am privileged to work with people across the campus and the community – the most talented students and faculty on campus.

UNCG Graduate School Dean, Dr. Greg Bell outside the Mossman Administration building.

What do you love most about this role? UNCG?

There’s a lot of talk about transformation at UNCG. Education changes people’s lives. I am a small part of this amazing journey for thousands of students. The real change, the real opportunity, in my opinion, happens at graduate school. This is where students evolve from being “consumers of knowledge” to “producers of knowledge.” Whether it’s in practice or in scholarship, it’s amazing to witness and a wonderful feeling to share.

Why do you want to be the Dean?

 I’m excited by the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students from across the university and to have an impact outside my academic discipline. For example, the Graduate School provides opportunities for students to share their research, creativity, and innovation through programs like the 3-Minute Thesis and the Showcase. These are great moments for our community to see our grad students – and the great work they are doing – in action.

What are the greatest challenges or opportunities facing UNCG’s Graduate School or academia in general?

You’ll hear a lot of talk about declining enrollments across the nation. This is a real concern. However, within every challenge lies an opportunity. This is a moment for academia to reflect and innovate to meet the needs of our students today and tomorrow. Although the tangible rewards of earning a college degree—lower unemployment and higher salaries—are well documented and well understood, I believe that obtaining a graduate education is making an investment in yourself that will pay dividends for your entire life.

My goal is to work collaboratively to improve graduate education at UNCG. We’re constantly exploring ways to refine existing programs to meet the needs, desires, and demands of current and future students, as well as the job market.

Throughout my 18 years on campus as part of the faculty, I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing students and faculty and I’ve seen the impact of their scholarship. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to continue to work with graduate students to tell our story and share the impact of their work.

UNCG is full of creative minds. I know that working together and remaining open to change will help us ensure we’re keeping pace with the challenges all around us.

Why UNCG?

It’s the community. The city of Greensboro is a great place to live and work. I’m particularly proud to work at UNCG. I love how diverse the student body is and I really enjoy the opportunity to celebrate our amazing students and their scholarship. UNCG is just the right size: it’s large enough to offer amazing opportunities for growth and exploration, while it’s also small enough to experience a clear sense of belonging.

What do you do to relax?

 I play the cello with a couple of amateur groups around the region. I’m also a runner; you can often find me pounding the pavement on Saturday morning along the greenway. I’m happiest outdoors, whether walking my dog, running, or hiking with my family.

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Want to learn more about Dr. Bell? His door is open! Feel free to stop by the Graduate School and make an appointment. He’s always open to meeting new faculty and students.