"I am very excited about the new position. It is a great opportunity to serve the institution and to grow professionally."

Bean, who reports directly to the president, is charged with overseeing the university planning processes as well as ensuring that programs and services are evaluated in an ongoing manner while making improvements based on the evaluations.

He also will supervise the office of institutional research, which is the primary data collection office for the university.

Since joining The W in 1991 as faculty member in the Division of Health and Kinesiology, Bean has steadily advanced into higher levels in his teaching career. Most recently he served as Faculty Senate president from 2001-2003. From 1995 to 1996, he served as interim director of continuing education and also received his tenure. In 1998, he became a full professor and acting head of the Division of Health and Kinesiology for a brief period. Bean also served as the director of summer programs including Business Week and the Pre-enrichment College Program (PEP).

The Columbus native graduated from Lee High School in 1977 and received his bachelor of arts from Mississippi State University. He received a master of arts and doctorate from the University of Louisiana and the University of Southern Mississippi respectively.