Emporia State Provost Brent Thomas says his 20 years with the institution have been full of memories, relationships and skill-building opportunities he plans to take with him into his next role with the Kansas Board of Regents next year.
This past week, it was announced that Thomas has been selected as the next Vice President for Academic Affairs with KBOR, a position he will assume January 4th. During an appearance on KVOE’s Morning Show Thursday, Thomas said this next phase of his professional career developed through the actions of another.
Thomas says it was not an easy decision to accept the new role when it was offered, noting the last two decades with ESU have been “the greatest opportunity” of his professional life so far.
Thomas first came to Emporia State when he was hired as an associate professor in biological sciences. Thomas was named the university’s Interim chair of the Department of Biological Sciences in 2008 and was later appointed to the role full-time. He would then serve eight years as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences before being named Provost in 2022 after the departure of George Arasimowicz, who replaced longtime provost David Cordle following his retirement in 2021.
Over that time, Thomas says he developed a range of skills and relationships that will translate well into his new position with KBOR, namely the familiarity he has with all areas of operating a higher learning institution.
Thomas also noted one thing he feels higher education needs to “do better” is embrace collaboration, and he plans to make that one of his key focuses once in his new role.
Thomas’ final day at Emporia State will be December 19th and he and his wife are planning to remain in the community for the foreseeable future. A search for Thomas’ replacement will take place; however, a timeline for said search has not yet been announced.
