The new dean of the College of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Matthew Bice, has a vision for the new developments in the college. These developments have a big impact not only on the recognition of the department’s students, faculty and staff, but also on the programs offered. 

Bice earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in kinesiology from the University of Texas Permian Basin and his doctorate in health education from Southern Illinois University.  

Before coming to UT Martin, Bice was the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Baker University. He also held academic and administrative roles at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.  

Story by Lacie Coleman, mass media and strategic communication major.

He began his role as the dean of the College of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences at UT Martin on April 1, 2026. The timing of his new role gave him the chance to listen to the faculty, staff and students before the fall semester began.  

 “It’s 100 miles per hour, and when you get towards commencement, things slow down quite a bit,” said Bice. 

During his first year, Bice is focused on multiple aspects of the college. His focus includes strategic alliances, faculty, student and staff recognition, innovative programming and bettering the pathways between community colleges and UT Martin. 

“We need to do a better job of recognizing all of the great things that the faculty, the students, the staff are doing,” said Bice. 

Bice is starting a Student Advisory Council, which will be a way for students to interact with him, talk about their experiences and ensure that the college is meeting expectations.  

He is also introducing a symposium intended to bring attention to the work that students are doing with the faculty and staff.  

“It’s going to be a culminating experience of research, scholarships, creative activities…” said Bice.

The college is also looking to begin new programs in upcoming years. This semester, a Master of Science in social work was introduced.

“One of the fastest-growing programs in our college has been the bachelor’s in social work,” said Bice. “This is a direct pathway from undergraduate to graduate programs, and we’re offering it here at UTM.”

The college is also introducing a second cohort for the nursing program in January of 2027. 

“We need more nurses. It’s evident, so having this second cohort is going to be massive for us,” said Bice. 

Work has also started on a master’s degree in public health, which will be available in the fall of 2028.  

“I believe we could be the premier rural college in the region,” said Bice. “People love UTM, they love the students, they want to be involved, and they’re here to help.”