Thomas Appointed Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Truman State University announces the appointment of Dr. Susan L. Thomas as executive vice president for academic affairs, effective July 21, 2014.

Thomas was selected for the position after a national search. She currently serves as associate provost for academic planning and program development at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.


“Dr. Thomas brings a wealth of experience, both academically and administratively, and she will be a valuable asset to Truman,” President Troy D. Paino said. “Her views on education fit nicely with our mission, as she is dedicated to providing the best educational experiences possible to ensure students’ intellectual, personal and professional growth.”

Thomas’ educational background includes a Ph.D. and two master’s degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She earned her Ph.D. in social psychology in 1988, after obtaining her M.B.A. in administrative management and a Master of Arts in social psychology in 1987 and 1986 respectively. Thomas graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa.  

“I am so honored and thrilled to be joining the Truman community,” Thomas said. “I look forward to working with the exceptional faculty, staff, administration and students in the pursuit of academic excellence to achieve the University’s commitment to the highest goals of a liberal arts and sciences education.”

Thomas has worked at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville since 1991. In addition to her most recent position there, she has also served as the assistant provost for planning, and she is a tenured member of the psychology faculty. Prior to her arrival in Edwardsville, Thomas was an assistant professor of psychology at Central College in Iowa, and conducted post-doctoral research through Brown University-Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital in Rhode Island.