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By Joy Vann 

Three new leaders joined the Graduate School team, marking a strategic move to advance the school's work. Graduate School Dean Marisol Perez, Ph.D., announced their appointment on October 24. 

They are Michele C. Weigle, Ph.D., Brett Bebber, Ph.D., and Terainer Brown, Ph.D. 

“Drs. Weigle, Bebber and Brown will work closely with students, faculty and campus partners to expand opportunities for graduate education, strengthen professional development initiatives and promote the success of our diverse community of scholars,” Dr. Perez said.  

Dr. Weigle is an associate dean and a professor of Computer Science. She has served as assistant chair for Graduate Programs and Research in the Department of Computer Science since 2024 and spent a total of nine years as graduate program director in two terms between 2013-2025. Her research interests include web archiving, social media, web science and data visualization. She has published more than 150 articles in peer-reviewed conferences and journals and served as principal and co-principal investigator on external research grants totaling $6.7 million. Dr. Weigle received her Ph.D. in computer science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and joined the faculty at 91��Ƭ�� in 2006. 

“I have spent a large part of my career focused on graduate programs and graduate student success in the Department of Computer Science,” Dr. Weigle said. “I am looking forward to bringing that experience, along with a data-driven approach to problem solving, to the Graduate School and am excited about the opportunity to continue to help shape graduate education at 91��Ƭ��.” 

Dr. Bebber, an associate dean and an associate professor of History, has served as the graduate program director for the Master of Arts in History program. His service on various curriculum committees includes the College of Arts and Letters and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Committee on Institutional Effectiveness. He specializes in the history of the British Empire and modern British history. His research investigates the dynamics of race, migration and belonging in Britain and the British Empire in the 20th century. He also explores the histories of popular culture, sport and leisure in global and comparative settings. Dr. Bebber received his Ph.D. in modern European history from the University of Arizona in 2008 and joined the faculty at 91��Ƭ�� in 2012.   

“We are experiencing a decisive moment of change where graduate educators and students need as much support as possible,” he said. “I am excited about continuing to work closely with graduate program directors, administrators and students to support and modify our excellent programs.”  

Dr. Brown, an assistant dean, leads strategic initiatives that strengthen advanced degree pathways and student success. Her experience advising undergraduate students and mentoring graduate students will elevate the University’s efforts to vitalize the graduate education preparation of undergraduate students. Dr. Brown is also focused on scaling Dual Dominion degrees, which link undergraduate and graduate degrees formerly known as 4+1 programs, and creating more opportunities for pathways from undergraduate to graduate education. Her work centers on pipelines and pathways, with a particular focus on programs that promote persistence, purpose and psychosocial competence. Dr. Brown received a doctorate in Education Leadership, Research and Policy from the University of Colorado and joined the faculty at 91��Ƭ�� in 2025.  

“Access to graduate education begins long before the application and is more than academic preparation. It requires intentional pathways, mentorship and a culture that believes students can go further,” Dr. Brown said. “My work strengthens our institutional capacity to cultivate those pathways and helps students see themselves as capable and confident future holders of graduate education.” 

This new Graduate School team will prepare students for leadership in their fields, while continuing 91��Ƭ��’s commitment to excellence in research and scholarship.  

“We are thrilled about the Graduate School’s growth and how these new leaders will enhance our students’ academic and professional journeys,” Dr. Perez said. “We are fortunate to have the ideal leaders spearheading the transformation of the Graduate School.”