Bethel announces inaugural dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education
By Heather Schnese S’12
April 27, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.
Bethel has named Sherryse Corrow, Ph.D., the first dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. “Her passion and excellence as an educator, scientist, and leader set her apart, and it is truly God’s providence for the college and Bethel in this time,” says University Provost Robin Rylaarsdam.
Corrow has served on Bethel’s faculty since 2017 and is currently professor of psychological sciences and department chair. She also serves on Bethel’s faculty development team and plays a key role in faculty governance—contributing to initiatives that strengthen teaching, learning, and community across the university.
“Bethel is in a season of change that offers an opportunity for growth, and I am honored to step into this role at this moment to support the faculty and staff of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education,” says Corrow. “I am energized by the opportunity to support, elevate, and celebrate the incredible work that people are already doing in the college, and to expand that work into new and exciting endeavors that support our programs and our students.”
In addition to her leadership at Bethel, Corrow brings a strong background in cognitive neuroscience research and teaching. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Minnesota State University Moorhead and her master’s and doctoral degrees in child psychology with an emphasis in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She also completed four years of postdoctoral training in neuroscience at the University of British Columbia.
The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education brings together undergraduate, adult undergraduate and graduate programs, along with certificates, under one academic unit as Corrow begins this leadership role. The college is foundational to the university’s mission, providing the liberal arts core for undergraduate students, preparing future educators, and supporting a wide range of majors and minors across the arts and sciences. “The college is foundational to our mission,” says Rylaarsdam, noting its central role in shaping both student learning and faculty teaching. Corrow’s experience guiding institutional initiatives and navigating change, as well as her existing relationship with faculty and staff, positions her to lead the college with clarity and purpose.
— Sherryse Corrow, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education
“The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education has my heart,” says Corrow. “I believe deeply that the kind of formation our Christian liberal arts education provides shapes our students to be critical thinkers and world-changers, which is essential in an AI-shaped world where uniquely human skills are at a premium.”
Appointing Corrow as dean marks an important step in advancing Bethel’s commitment to academic excellence, faith integration, and student success. Under her leadership, the college will continue to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character needed to lead, serve, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“We congratulate Dr. Corrow and welcome her to this important role as she crafts and casts the vision for the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education and its impact on Bethel and our students,” says President Ross Allen. “I have tremendous gratitude for the leadership she has demonstrated during the past several years of significant change and am excited to see how God uses her as she steps into this new role.”
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