Jason Bentley, EdD

Jason Bentley, EdD

Dean, University College
Dean's Office
Phone: (231) 591-2428
Email: [email protected]

Education

• EdD, Central Michigan University, Educational Leadership, Research Methods / College Student Development
• BSEd, Central Michigan University, History, Earth Science
• MA, Central Michigan University, Educational Administration & Community Leadership (EACL)

Biography

Dr. Jason Bentley serves Ferris in the multifaceted role as Dean of University College and Interim Dean for the Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education (FLITE).

Dr. Bentley supports Academic Service Learning, Academic Advising, the Academic Literacies Center (ALC) including tutoring and structured learning assistance, Bulldog Scholars, Deliberative Dialogues, Educational Counseling and Disabilities Services, FEI-Navigate360, General Studies, Community Leadership, Integrative Studies, University Seminars (FSUS) , FirstGen Initiatives, the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL), the Honors Program, Media Production, the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP), University Libraries, and MyDegree, Ferris's degree audit platform.

Prior to arriving at Ferris, Dr. Bentley served as vice president at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky where he supported enrollment, financial aid, early college (dual credit), advising and retention, disability services, the eagle diversity education center, recreation and wellness, personal counseling and health services, housing, and NCAA DI athletics.

Dr. Bentley earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Community Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, all from Central Michigan University.

Presentations

• Keynote/Plenary Address
  Bentley, J. (Author & Presenter), Zaborowski, M. (Author), Hiar, D. (Author), 37th Annual Meeting, "Metrics that matter: Leveraging data for insight, action, advocacy, and advancement," Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies, Tempe, AZ, (April 11, 2024).
• Oral Presentation
  Bentley, J. (Author & Presenter), Hiar, D. (Author & Presenter), Academic Affairs Briefing, "Ferris Equity Initiative and Navigate360," Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, (March 20, 2024).
• Keynote/Plenary Address
  Bentley, J. (Author & Presenter), VandePanne, S. (Author & Presenter), CONNECTED24, "Creating the Re-FOCUS at Ferris program to help students no academic probation," EAB, Denver, CO, (January 2024).
• Keynote/Plenary Address
  Bentley, J., Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Bellaire, MI, "Living our founders’ vision: Closing gaps through equity initiatives," Bellaire, MI, (November 2023).
• Presentation
  Bentley, J., Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, "REFOCUS: Supporting academic recovery and reducing academic dismissal," Bellaire, MI, (November 2023).
• Keynote/Plenary Address
  Bentley, J., Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA) Annual Conference, "How to grow as an IDEA leader," Michigan Academic Library Association, Holland, MI, (May 2023).
• Keynote/Plenary Address
  Bentley, J., Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies national conference, "Meeting students where they are: Embracing technology for connection," Association of Deans and Directors of University Colleges and Undergraduate Studies, Denver, CO, (April 2023).
• Keynote/Plenary Address
  Bentley, J., the Kentucky Association of Housing Officers (KAHO) Annual Conference, "Post-pandemic student affairs: Enhanced practices for student and practitioner engagement and wellness," Kentucky Association of Housing Officers (KAHO), Virtual, (November 2021).
• Oral Presentation
  McCall, D. (Author & Presenter), Bentley, J. (Author & Presenter), Jadhav, E. (Author & Presenter), NASPA Conference on Student Success in Higher Education, "Understanding and Supporting Identity Transition ​ Among First-Generation Students​," NASPA, Virtual, (June 30, 2021).
• Keynote/Plenary Address
  Bentley, J., Jadhav, E., Ferris State University HatchEd Innovation Conference, "Identity transition among first-generation students: Pilot study," Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, (February 2021).