Dean of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Jennifer N. Brown holds a PhD in English and doctoral certificates in Women’s Studies and Medieval Studies from The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Georgetown University. She is a distinguished scholar in English and world literatures, with a research and teaching specialty in the medieval literature of England, written by and for women. She has two monographs, three co-edited collections, and several articles on the subject. Her debut novel, The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton, is set to be published by St. Martin’s Press in April 2026. Prior to her appointment at Bentley, Dr. Brown served as Chair of the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of English and World Literatures at Marymount Manhattan College. 

Jeff Gulati is Professor of Political Science and Senior Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences at Bentley University. A member of the Bentley faculty since 2004, he has held leadership roles as Director of the Liberal Studies Major and Associate Director of the Honors Program. He earned his Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

His recent scholarship examines how popular culture, particularly music and film, reveals tensions in American identity, including belonging, alienation, and the promises of the American Dream. His work includes a study of Taylor Swift and partisan polarization published in Social Science Quarterly, as well as ongoing research on the Beatles and Bruce Springsteen. Dr. Gulati teaches courses on American politics, politics through film, and music as a lens for understanding belonging and the American Dream.

Alyson arrived at Bentley in 2022 and joined the office of the Dean of Arts & Sciences in 2023, bringing experience in publishing, media, and entertainment.  With degrees in literature (BA, University of Vermont), business, (MBA, New York University), and education (MA, New York University) Alyson is especially committed to highlighting the value of the arts, sciences, and humanities at Bentley.