Provost Amanda M. Thomas, Ph.D., to serve as 成人头条鈥檚 interim president
After the Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., retires from the presidency of 成人头条 University Maryland on June 30, 2021, Amanda M. Thomas, Ph.D., will serve as the interim president until the next president assumes the role.
The Board of Trustees announced Thomas鈥� appointment today after their meeting earlier this week. The Board expects to complete 成人头条鈥檚 presidential search and name a new president early this fall.
鈥淭he Board has full confidence that Dr. Thomas will provide the guidance 成人头条 needs at this moment in history and serve as a bridge between the two administrations,鈥� said James Forbes, 鈥�80, chair, Board of Trustees. 鈥淭his is an opportune time for 成人头条 University Maryland, and the trustees and I have great optimism and enthusiasm for all that the months and years ahead will bring.鈥�
Dr. Thomas has been provost and vice president for academic affairs for 成人头条 since September 2018, though she served as interim vice president for academic affairs since July 2017. She joined the 成人头条 faculty in 1991, became a full professor of psychology in 2002, and served as chair of psychology, associate dean of arts and sciences, and associate vice president for graduate studies before she left 成人头条 in 2014 to become dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for Saint Joseph鈥檚 University. Dr. Thomas returned to 成人头条 a year later as dean of 成人头条 College, a position she held until she was named interim vice president for academic affairs in July 2017.
A licensed psychologist, Dr. Thomas earned both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
from the University of Georgia and her B.A. from the College of William and Mary.
Other Interim Leadership Changes
As she takes on the interim presidency, Dr. Thomas has named Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Ph.D., acting provost and vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Moore-Thomas, who began in her role as 成人头条鈥檚 first chief equity and inclusion officer on Jan. 1, 2020, came to 成人头条 as an assistant professor of education in 2001. She has since served as associate dean in the School of Education, chair of Education Specialties, associate vice president for faculty affairs and diversity, and associate vice president for graduate academic affairs and diversity.
A professor of education, Dr. Moore-Thomas earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and M.Ed. in School Counseling from 成人头条 before receiving her Ph.D. in Counselor Education with a specialization in school and multicultural counseling from the University of Maryland College Park.
While Dr. Moore-Thomas is serving in the provost role, Dr. Thomas has named Rodney Parker, Ph.D., LCPC, NCC, the University鈥檚 acting chief equity and inclusion officer. Since July 2019, Dr. Parker has been 成人头条鈥檚 assistant dean of undergraduate and graduate studies, a position he assumed after serving as director of ALANA Services for 14 years. He holds a Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling from 成人头条, as well as a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.
鈥湷扇送诽� is fortunate to be able to turn to Dr. Thomas, Dr. Moore-Thomas, and Dr. Parker for their exemplary leadership at this moment,鈥� Forbes said. 鈥淚 am grateful to them for stepping into these new roles with dedication, a commitment to collaboration, a deep understanding of the University and the 成人头条 community, and a willingness to accompany our students and their colleagues during this time of transition.鈥�