The University of West Georgia has named Dr. Nate Bickford dean of the Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry College of Mathematics, Computing and Sciences, effective July 1. Bickford becomes the inaugural permanent dean of the college, which has been led by interim leadership since its founding in 2024.
Bickford brings more than two decades of experience in higher education as an academic leader, researcher, and educator, with a strong track record of advancing interdisciplinary programs, strengthening enrollment and retention, and supporting faculty success across the sciences.
“Dr. Bickford is a collaborative, forward‑thinking leader whose experience aligns exceptionally well with the vision and future of this college,” said Dr. Jon Preston, UWG’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “He has demonstrated an ability to build programs that respond to workforce needs, elevate student outcomes and foster a culture of innovation and academic excellence. We are excited to welcome him to UWG as we continue to build momentum for this important and growing college.”
As dean, Bickford will provide academic and strategic leadership for the college’s departments and programs in mathematics, computing and the sciences, with a focus on student success, interdisciplinary collaboration, research growth and alignment with regional and state workforce priorities.
“It is a privilege to join the University of West Georgia as Dean of the Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry College of Mathematics, Computing and Sciences and to work alongside such a dedicated academic community,” Bickford said. “The university’s strong foundation and recent achievements create an outstanding opportunity to build for the future. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, and leadership to advance existing strengths, develop impactful new programs and continue driving student success, innovation and growth at UWG.”
Bickford joins UWG from Oregon Institute of Technology, where he has served in multiple senior leadership roles, including interim dean of the College of Health and Arts and Sciences, chair of natural sciences, and director of graduate studies. In these roles, he oversaw numerous academic departments and degree programs, led college‑wide recruitment and retention initiatives and guided the development of new undergraduate and graduate programs in allied health, biomedical sciences and engineering‑related fields.
His leadership experience also includes partnering with admissions, advising and advancement teams to strengthen enrollment pipelines, expand undergraduate research opportunities and support faculty development. An active researcher, Bickford has secured significant external funding throughout his career and has mentored dozens of graduate and undergraduate students.
Bickford earned a Ph.D. in environmental science from Arkansas State University, a master’s degree in biology from Appalachian State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Lenoir‑Rhyne University. Outside of his administrative and teaching responsibilities, Bickford is an avid outdoorsman with a lifelong passion for science, particularly wildlife ecology and conservation.
To learn more about the Dr. James ‘Earl’ Perry College of Mathematics, Computing and Sciences, visit the college’s website.
