Bryce Sullivan

Bryce Sullivan, Ph.D., is Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at Belmont University. Dr. Sullivan was appointed dean in 2008 after serving for seven years as Chair of the Department of Psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Trained as a clinical psychologist, he brings to the role of dean a teacher’s focus on student learning, a scholar’s commitment to inquiry and evidence, and a psychologist’s understanding of people, organizations, and change. As the College’s principal academic officer, he provides strategic, academic, fiscal, and operational leadership for a large and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff.

CLASS includes the School of Humanities, the School of Social Sciences, and the School of Theology and Christian Ministry. Together, these schools comprise nine academic departments, four interdisciplinary programs, and 26 undergraduate and graduate degree programs supported by more than 150 faculty and staff.

CLASS occupies a distinctive place in Belmont’s educational mission. Its disciplines draw upon a liberal arts tradition that extends to Belmont’s founding in 1890, and every undergraduate takes courses offered by the College through the University’s general education curriculum. Dr. Sullivan’s leadership emphasizes the enduring value of the humanities, social sciences, and theological disciplines in helping students think critically, engage complex questions, and connect learning with lives of purpose.

Dr. Sullivan earned his B.S., summa cum laude, from Georgia State University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Ohio State University. His scholarship focuses on clinical psychology, personality theory, ethics in psychology, and leadership. Although his primary focus for more than 25 years has been academic leadership as a department chair and dean, Dr. Sullivan has remained active as a scholar, publishing 15 peer-reviewed journal articles, four book chapters, and 36 conference papers.

Outside the University, Dr. Sullivan values time with his family and is actively engaged in the life of his local church and national denomination. He has been an ordained elder for over 20 years and currently serves at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville where he chaired the committee that helped guide the congregation’s recovery following the tragic 2023 shooting at The Covenant School. His professional and personal commitments reflect a longstanding interest in the intersections of education, character, Christian faith, service, and leadership. These values have shaped both his academic career and his engagement with the communities he serves.

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