Dr. Matthew R. Bice has been appointed as the new dean of the University of Tennessee at Martin College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences. The announcement was made Jan. 5 in an email from UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman to UTM faculty and staff. Bice’s official start date will be announced later.
Bice is currently the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. He previously held academic and administrative positions at the University of Nebraska Kearney before coming to Baker University.
He replaces Cindy West, longtime dean of the college, who retired at the end of 2025.
“The College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences stands at an important crossroads,” Freeman said in the university announcement. “Opportunities exist to deepen ties with regional partners and industries in the CEHBS disciplines, expand our reach to new students, and reinforce our reputation for preparing outstanding education and health professionals.
“Dr. Bice offers both the vision to chart this course and the operational experience to navigate it successfully.”
Bice earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and his doctorate in health education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
“I am honored to serve as the dean of the CEHBS at the University of Tennessee at Martin and join a community so deeply committed to student success, innovation and societal impact,” Bice said in a statement. “My family and I look forward to joining the UT Martin community and working with faculty, staff, students and partners to advance excellence in teaching, research and service.”
He thanked Chancellor Freeman, Dr. Stepanie Kolitsch and the search committee for their confidence and support. Kolitsch is serving as the university’s transitional provost until Dr. Laurie Couch of Salisbury University in Maryland assumes the permanent position in the coming months.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon UTM’s rich history and strong foundation that stretches across the region and nation,” Bice added.
UT Martin is a primary regional campus in the University of Tennessee System offering 23 undergraduate degree programs that include 142 specialized concentrations and eight graduate degrees featuring 30 specialized concentrations.
In addition to the main campus, the university has six regional centers in Jackson, Parsons, Selmer, Ripley, Somerville and Springfield. UT Martin Online offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, including the online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree for working adults.
For information, contact the Office of University Relations at 731-881-7615.
