Bethel’s new dean for the school of business is “right leader for this formative moment”
By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist
July 07, 2025 | 1 p.m.
Bethel University has named Tom Brown, Ph.D., as the first dean of its new school of business. “He is the right leader for this formative moment in Bethel’s history,” says University Provost Robin Rylaarsdam. Brown brings decades of experience in business education, including industry partnerships, successful program innovation, and real-world application. He is eager to lead Bethel’s efforts to equip students for impactful careers rooted in faith.
“Ethical marketing exchanges are an everyday, necessary part of life and an application of basic Christian principles,” says Brown. “The business world and the people in it can and should be a prime mission field.” This conviction, rooted in Brown’s faith and leadership philosophy, will help shape Bethel’s emerging school of business into a hub of innovation, excellence, and impact—equipping students to lead well in a wide range of business and communication careers.
Currently in formation, the new school of business will bring together Bethel’s strong business and communication studies programs—which include undergraduate, adult undergraduate, and graduate programs along with certificates—under one academic structure. With faculty all under one school, this move provides a foundation for expanded programming, deeper collaboration with industry leaders, and increased visibility for prospective students and partners. The school also reinforces Bethel’s commitment to developing Christ-centered leaders who will contribute to the flourishing of families, organizations, and communities.
— University Provost Robin Rylaarsdam
Brown’s leadership is rooted in both academic excellence and a personal commitment to faith—qualities that shape his vision for the future of business education at Bethel. “He has lived a life of deep faith while leading at one of the top business schools in the country, where he built meaningful connections with local industry,” Rylaarsdam days. “As a marketing expert, he has a gift for understanding people and helping them see how stories—told with clarity and integrity—can inspire action and build trust. He brings that same discernment and vision to Bethel.”
With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, Brown most recently served as head of the School of Marketing and International Business at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business. Under his leadership, the school doubled its enrollment, created specialized program tracks, and launched industry-driven initiatives like the Marketing Academy at Spears and the Center for Sales and Service Excellence. Brown has published widely in leading academic journals, co-authored one of the nation’s top marketing research textbooks, and been named to the Stanford/Elsevier list of the top 2% of scientists globally for his scholarly impact.
Brown also brings deep experience in integrating Christian faith with professional life. His perspective on ethical marketing—grounded in the biblical call to treat others as we would want to be treated—guides his approach to business education.
— Tom Brown, Bethel's school of business dean
“I am honored to be selected as the first dean of Bethel’s college of business, and am grateful to the business faculty members, Provost Rylaarsdam, President Allen, and the rest of the Bethel community for this amazing opportunity,” says Brown. “I can’t wait to join the team and see what God has in store for Bethel, our students, and our many supporters, and alumni!”
Appointing Brown as dean marks a major step in the development of the school of business and aligns with Bethel’s strategic initiatives to make a Bethel education more accessible, collaborative, and outcome-driven. From transparent tuition to career-focused pathways, Bethel is investing in what students and employers need most. “Tom has a vision for Bethel to become the Christian university known nationwide for outstanding programs in business, and I'm excited to see what he and the faculty and staff will do to make that vision a reality,” says Rylaarsdam.
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