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Berry, whose interest in higher education began as she watched history shows on public television with her newborn son, will start in her new position on July 1. Her portfolio will encompass the School’s three academic departments, the Associate in Arts in a Year program, as well as the School’s co-curricular high-impact practices. 

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Berry to �鶹ԭ��,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Travis Teague. “Dr. Berry’s experience, enthusiasm, and energy are an ideal match for our students and service area. She has a vision for our School of Arts and Sciences, vast NC Community College System knowledge, and a clear commitment to student success that are sure to result in great things for �鶹ԭ��.”

A native of Searcy, Arkansas, Berry earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harding University in 1994, but it wasn’t until after undergrad that she found her lifelong passion.

“When I was a new mother and stayed at home with my son, Noah, I began watching public television and got really into history programs. I wasn’t a great history student when I was in undergraduate school, but during that time in my life, I got really interested in history programs. I was surprised that I enjoyed it so much,” she said.

“I found myself telling everyone about what I was learning. Over time, I realized that what I loved even more was helping others experience the same interest and excitement, so I pursued a career as a history instructor.”

Berry went on to earn her master’s in Global History from Arkansas State University and her doctorate in Adult and Community College Education with an emphasis in Community College Leadership from North Carolina State University.

After several years working as an adjunct instructor, Berry was hired as a faculty member of history and humanities at Wake Technical Community College in 2007, subsequently gaining the rank of senior professor. In the years that followed, she held a number of roles at Wake, including Humanities Department head, director of Global Education, program director of the Student Experience Program, and strategic planning lead.

Her new role at �鶹ԭ�� allows Berry to put all the various pieces of her life and career to work for the College.

“Much of the work I’ve done in the realm of strategic planning, high-impact practices, global education, and online learning closely aligns with the ideas of �鶹ԭ��,” she said.

“It is especially exciting to come to �鶹ԭ�� at a time of rapid change. Besides arriving at the same time as the new president and a new vice president (President Dr. Stacy Waters-Bailey starts on July 1; Teague started in his position in 2024.), the campuses are also undergoing expansive building projects. Everything at �鶹ԭ�� seems new and exciting. I’m thrilled to be joining at the onset of so many dynamic changes.”

Berry looks forward to finding new ways to serve students and help them reach their goals. She’s also excited about the chance to expand the College’s global education opportunities.

“That could mean everything from globalizing coursework to creating partnerships with the industries in the area who will accept our graduates. Given the increasingly global nature of the workforce, an emphasis on global education will better help prepare our students to work in diverse international settings,” she said.

Outside of work, Berry is an avid traveler herself. Much of her spare time is spent “either planning travel, saving for travel, or actually traveling.” But the move to �鶹ԭ�� is also an exciting chance for her and her husband, Peter, to explore the region closer to Noah, who now lives in Charlotte.

“�鶹ԭ�� feels right on both a personal and professional level,” she said. “My career began with an interest in history, but now, I’m excited to be looking to the future, to all the great things I’ll be able to contribute to as a member of the �鶹ԭ�� family.

Five Things to Know About Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Rebecca Berry

• She’s a native of Searcy, Arkansas.
• She’s married to Peter Berry, and they have a grown son named Noah.
• She’s an avid traveler. France and Italy are two of her favorite destinations.
• She drove a cherry picker at a distribution center during college, and she’s still friends with some of her former co-workers.
• She can be reached at rberry@spcc.edu.