Bell receives Civilian Service Medal

November 14, 2023

Dr. Mary Bell was recently awarded the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Bell, the Dean of The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University, came to Madison this summer, bringing 20 years of service in the U.S. Army with expertise in aviation and intelligence. She also has two years teaching experience at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and 11 years at the National Defense University (NDU).

It was for her work as a faculty member at NDU’s Joint Advanced Warfighting School that she earned this prestigious award. She was called “a skilled and resourceful educator,” particularly for her efforts to rewrite a college contingency planning scenario. She was also noted for her other research, engagement, and service activities that enhanced the standing and reach of National Defense University. Her contributions impacted the education of hundreds of students during her seven years at the Joint Advanced Warfighting School in Norfolk, Virginia.

“We knew that Mary Bell would bring exceptional professional skills to Dakota State when we offered her the position of Dean, and this award endorses that fact,” said DSU President José-Marie Griffiths.

“We look forward to seeing how her experience and work ethic will further elevate the already strong curricula and teaching that we are known for in the Beacom College.”

In addition to her teaching strengths, Bell has distinctive networking connections. She was part of a team of experts representing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)’s Defense Education Enhancement Program (DEEP) this summer in Poland. The group worked to develop a curriculum guide featuring strategic, operational, and tactical lessons learned by the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. This guide will help all NATO nations better train and educate military forces.