Wanda Thomas named Kent State’s New Associate Provost

Dr. Wanda Thomas, who has served in the dual role of dean of the Regional College and dean of Kent State University at Trumbull since July of this year, will expand her role with Kent State's Regional Campus system. As of Nov. 1, Thomas will serve as the university's Regional College dean and associate provost for Kent State system integration. Associate Dean Robert Sines has accepted the position of interim dean of Kent State Trumbull, a position he also held from July 2003 to June 2005.

As associate provost, Thomas will oversee Kent State's Regional Campus system and the Regional College, where she will guide the development of new Regional Campus degrees and articulated pathways for bachelor's degrees, promote the growth of the system through student persistence and enrollment, resulting in increased graduation rates and support the university's strategic plan throughout the Regional Campus system.
 
"Her expertise in developing partnerships and implementing innovative programs will continue to serve Kent State well as she advocates for our growing Regional Campus system," said Robert G. Frank,
Kent State's provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Thomas joined Kent State on June 1, 2005, after spending 24 years at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. At Broward, she served in the roles of vice president for community and resource development, vice president of technical education and provost. Prior to her employment at Broward, she worked at the University of Arkansas, Allegheny Community College and Cuyahoga Community College as both faculty and administrator.

As a student at Kent State, Thomas earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education, with a major in biology. She earned her doctoral degree in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas.

Thomas resides in Warren, Ohio.

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Media Contacts:
Robb King, rking28@kent.edu, 330-675-7627
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595