Mary Bell

As Dean of The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University, Dean Bell leads the strategic development of academic programs. She is actively involved in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and fostering partnerships that enhance research and experiential learning opportunities for students. Under her leadership, the college has introduced innovative programs, including a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and a Quantum Computing Certificate, reflecting her commitment to preparing students for emerging fields in technology and cybersecurity. Dean Bell also plays a key role in advancing DSU’s reputation through collaborations with national and international organizations, ensuring that students and faculty contribute to cutting-edge advancements in cyber sciences.

Before joining DSU, she was a Professor at the National Defense University (NDU) starting in 2010, where she served as faculty chair of the Joint Advanced Warfighting School’s (JAWS) Operational Art and Campaign Planning Field of Study, guiding graduates to earn advanced degrees, senior service college credit, and Joint Professional Military Education Phase II certification. At NDU, she also designed and led an elective on cyberspace, intelligence, information, and space integration. Dean Bell brings 34 years of leadership experience in the Department of Defense and federal academia, including 13 years of teaching at the graduate level and two years at the undergraduate level.

Her 20-year career in the U.S. Army includes extensive experience in Aviation and Intelligence, having flown the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in South Korea, Hawaii, the U.S., and Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. She also flew the C-12 Huron and EO-5B/C Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL) and served as a task force commander during Operations Palmetto Ghost, Palmetto Shield in Central and South America, and Iraqi Freedom, leading missions that integrated signals and imagery intelligence for the Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Security Agency (NSA). As a Mission Commander for the Open Skies Treaty, she negotiated with diplomats from 33 nations, including Russia, Ukraine, and France, ensuring international cooperation and intelligence integration.

In addition to her operational background, Dean Bell was an Assistant Professor of Military Strategic Studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy (2001–2003) and a faculty member at the Joint Forces Staff College at the National Defense University (2010–2017). She has expertise in U.S. energy policy, Women, Peace, and Security initiatives, Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific relations, operational art, campaign planning, and strategic intelligence analysis.