WilmU One-on-One: A Conversation With Dr. Adrienne Bey, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
A licensed clinical social worker and Society for Human Resource Management senior certified professional, Dr. Adrienne Bey joined Wilmington University in 2004.
Before becoming dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (COSBS), she directed the Center for Teaching Excellence, chaired the M.S. in Administration of Human Services program, and taught in the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling master’s program. Dr. Bey holds a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences, Master of Social Work, and B.A. in Psychology.
Q. What do you look forward to in your new role as COSBS dean?
I am looking forward to getting back to supporting students as they work toward achieving their goals. WilmU provides opportunities for students who may face barriers to completing their degrees through traditional pathways. I am honored that I’m given an opportunity to be a part of their journey. I also appreciate having a seat at the table where ideas are shared to enhance and create curriculum offerings and help improve the overall student experience.
Q. What exciting things are happening in the COSBS?
We are looking at our curriculum offerings to determine the areas that are ripe for innovation. We are looking at areas where we can enhance, expand, or maybe renew our certificate and degree offerings. We are also looking at opportunities where we can collaborate with other colleges.
We are committed to showcasing the incredible work our faculty are doing with students inside and outside of the classroom. Beyond teaching, our faculty engage students through conference participation, workshop presentations, collaborative research and writing, and community service initiatives, to name a few. For example, Dr. Deb Berke, director of Psychology programs and the Center for Prevention Science, is a testament to the strong connection our faculty have with students, even after graduation. She and a few of our alumni co-authored a chapter in a family life education textbook. Imagine the impact that will have on their careers and the profession overall!
We also have a presence on social media now. This provides a dynamic way to connect with potential students, current students, alumni and our faculty. Our goal is to have open lines of communication so anyone interested can engage with us.
Q. What would you like prospective students to know about WilmU’s COSBS?
“Rooted in the essential values of personal worth, human dignity, social justice, integrity, intellectual curiosity and academic freedom, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is committed to providing students with a quality education, professional guidance, and opportunities to engage with and understand the behavioral sciences. We promote academic integrity, the prevailing codes of professional ethical behavior and an environment that fosters social justice.” That is our mission statement.
We expect our students to embrace these values, make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and in the world at large, and remain committed to lifelong learning. Also, our team is comprised of educators from diverse disciplines who are passionate about student learning and success. We are all dedicated to helping students gain the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities for careers in human and public service professions.
Q. What is your most memorable WilmU experience?
I have many memorable WilmU experiences working with students, faculty and colleagues. However, I have three that I would consider career highlights: chartering and founding the Nu Chapter of Tau Upsilon Alpha National Human Services Honor Society (TUA) back in 2007, chartering and founding the WilmU Toastmasters Club back in 2015, and being named a 2023 Delaware American Council on Education Women’s Network Visionary for my work at WilmU.
Q. What is something people may be surprised to learn about you?
What people may be surprised to learn about me is that I am a mixed-media artist who also appreciates many forms of creative expression (vocal, music, drama, dance, spoken word/storytelling, etc.). I also do a little crafting and food art. I picked up my first paintbrush in 2016. In 2022, I was one of the featured artists for the Eye Shadow Women’s Art Exhibit at Christina Cultural Arts Center in Wilmington, Delaware.
Q. What do you love about WilmU?
The mission. I find job fulfillment when my passion aligns with an organization’s mission. WilmU has provided that alignment for me.
Read more about Dr. Bey in WilmU Magazine.
Make an impact with a degree from Wilmington University’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, where programs range from an A.S. in Applied Behavioral Health to a doctorate in Prevention Science.
