5 Questions with Beth Perlman

As dean for health and wellness at Grinnell College, Beth Perlman brings curiosity, compassion, and a sense of humor to the work of supporting student well-being. After starting at Grinnell as the director of counseling services in Student Health and Wellness (SHAW), Perlman now helps guide the broader vision for health and wellness on campus. Whether she’s collaborating with colleagues, cheering on students as they grow, or building the perfect road trip playlist, Perlman approaches her work — and life — with warmth, reflection, and plenty of coffee.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in the Chicagoland area. I take my deep-dish pizza seriously and can’t resist a cake shake from Portillo’s!

Q: What can you tell us about your family?

A: Family is incredibly important to me, and I’m grateful to have a tight-knit family. I’ve really enjoyed living closer to them. I became an aunt a little less than a year ago and I’m fully invested in my auntie role! My favorite duties are stroller walks and exposing my niece to good music early.

Q: What interests or hobbies keep you busy outside of work?

A: At work, I really enjoy holding space for people to show up as their full, authentic selves and supporting them as they build self-trust. I’m also someone who loves developing projects and initiatives behind the scenes — and staying caffeinated.

Outside of work, I’m usually caring for my houseplants, making road trip playlists, or going on nature walks with my dogs. Fun fact: one of my dogs was matched with me by the owner of Saint’s Rest Coffee, so I guess you could say we’re a perfect blend!

I also enjoy traveling to all the places that I’ve called home (I’ll be in SoCal this month!), discovering local coffee shops, attending concerts, and reading past my bedtime. I’m always adding books to my long to-be-read list, so feel free to share recommendations! 

Q: What does your role at Grinnell entail?

A: I actually started at Grinnell as the director of counseling services at SHAW. As the dean for health and wellness, I provide leadership and management at SHAW and oversee its dedicated leadership team.

Working with students is incredibly rewarding. It’s an honor to witness their growth and the transformative journeys they take toward healing, self-empowerment, and positive change.

Q: What path brought you to Grinnell, and what has your experience been like here?

A: My career began in crisis and care management at the Claremont Colleges. I was often the person holding space when things felt most uncertain or overwhelming. I realized that crisis is rarely just about stabilization — it can also be a moment of possibility and transformative change.

That experience shaped how I approach my work as a psychologist and dean. Moments of uncertainty and discomfort can help us ask necessary questions that lead to growth, realignment, and deeper self-understanding.

I’ve always had a soft spot for small liberal arts communities, and what ultimately drew me to Grinnell was the students. I’m energized by their motivation, passion, and commitment to advocating for positive change. Grinnell students are trailblazers.

I also get to work with some of the coolest teams. I’m surrounded by people who care deeply about their work and see student wellness as closely connected to academic success. And I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the SHAW team—we take our jobs very seriously, but not ourselves. We share a lot of laughs in our office!