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   After 18 years at Ouachita Baptist University Trey Berry needed a new challenge. He found one at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. 

   Berry is the newly appointed dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, a position he assumed on Aug. 13.  

   As dean he will direct the university’s baccalaureate programs in criminal justice, history, history and social studies, political science, psychology and social work; as well as associate degree (two-year) and certificate programs in crime scene investigation, law enforcement administration and police internal affairs.
   
   “I saw this opportunity as a tremendous challenge and UAM seemed like a wonderful place to work,” Berry said. “During my interview I was blown away by the hospitality and friendliness of the place. I am very excited to be here.”
   
   During his 18 years on the OBU faculty Berry served as professor of history and directed OBU’s International Studies and Honors Programs.
   
   At UAM Berry will place an emphasis on securing grants to improve classroom technology and has plans to create a community outreach committee, within the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, to provide various services to Monticello and the surrounding communities.

   A native of Shreveport, La., Berry grew up in Stuttgart and Arkadelphia. After graduating from Arkadelphia High School, he attended Ouachita, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1984. He attended graduate school at the University of Mississippi, earning a master’s degree in history in 1987 and a doctorate in 1992. A scholar in Southern history, Berry took classes at Ole Miss’ nationally acclaimed Center for Southern Culture, where he met Pulitzer Prize winning author Willie Morris.

   “Willie Morris once borrowed my VCR to watch a movie,” Berry said. “That’s my one claim to fame.”
   
   Berry is an author in his own right.  His recently published book “The Arkansas Journey" was completed in 18 months and has been adopted by the Arkansas Department of Education as one of two Arkansas history textbooks for grades 7 and 8. The book will also be used as a supplemental textbook for grades 9-12. The 321-page book is full of photos and graphics, for a “visual generation."

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