Florida State University has chosen Gregory Bell as the next dean of The Graduate School. He will begin his appointment July 6.
Bell currently serves as dean of the Graduate School and mathematics professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Before his time as dean, he worked as associate dean and interim dean of the UNCG Graduate School as well as director of graduate studies in UNCG’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Having served as president of the North Carolina Council of Graduate Schools and an executive board member of the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, Bell has contributed to graduate education policy throughout the Southeast.
“Dr. Bell brings deep commitment and experience to graduate education with a record of working across campus to enhance student support, elevate academic excellence and expand graduate enrollment,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “I’m excited to welcome him to FSU and grateful to Assistant Provost Steve McDowell for his leadership as interim dean during this important transition.”
Originally from Panama City, Florida, He held a postdoc position funded by the National Science Foundation at The Pennsylvania State University.
“Graduate students and post-docs are critical to the success and impact of a modern university,” Bell said. “I’m excited to join FSU to work with its faculty and students to advance research excellence and foster a supportive environment where graduate students thrive.”
At FSU, Bell will help The Graduate School partner with academic units and faculty in supporting graduate education, providing financial support and advancing the professional development of graduate students. The Graduate School operates as part of FSU’s newly established Student Academic Success division.
FSU has 16 graduate programs and specialties ranked in the Top 25 among public universities, with six graduate programs placing No. 1 in Florida, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s edition of Best Graduate Schools. FSU has placed special emphasis on enhancing doctoral education, pledging to invest $10 million toward that goal over five years.
More than 10,500 graduate students are enrolled at FSU, pursuing doctoral degrees, master’s degrees and professional certificates.