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Kimberly Thomas has been named the new director of the Joseph F. Decosimo Success Center in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga\u2019s Gary W. Rollins College of Business. She comes to UTC after serving as dean of students at the University of Nevada in Reno.<\/p>\n
Thomas began work on Aug. 14, with Sue Culpepper\u2014who announced her retirement in July\u2014supporting the transition process through mid-October.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to engaging in collaborative efforts with new colleagues in the College of Business and the greater UTC community,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cI am excited to lead the team in the Decosimo Success Center in work that supports students, increases their sense of belonging and graduates students who will positively impact their communities and work environments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robert Dooley, dean of the College of Business, described her as \u201cinnovative, strategic thought leader who values teamwork rooted in community building.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKimberly\u2019s work in higher education demonstrates a commitment to collaborative work with students, staff and faculty to increase student persistence, retention and graduation,\u201d he said. \u201cShe has a genuine concern for student safety and success has made her a sought-after speaker for student events, recruitment events and faculty training, and we are so fortunate to have her expertise and leadership in the Decosimo Success Center.\u201d<\/p>\n
After joining the staff at the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2014 as sanctions coordinator in the Office of Student Conduct, Thomas was named assistant dean of student conduct in 2015 and dean of students in 2018.<\/p>\n
As dean of students, she supervised the Office of Student Conduct, Fraternity and Sorority Life, New Student Initiatives, the Nevada Career Studio and the Office of Student Persistence Research.<\/p>\n
During her time in Reno, Thomas worked to improve students\u2019 experience and increase engagement and equity on campus by launching numerous programs and initiatives, including a campus-wide welcome week event for new students. She also created \u201cYou Got This! Empowering the Pack,\u201d a successful social media campaign which educated first-year students in on-campus housing about alcohol and other drugs.<\/p>\n
She also created \u201cThe Living Lab,\u201d a research opportunity for historically underrepresented students and first-generation students.<\/p>\n
Thomas earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in English from the University of Alabama and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.<\/p>\n
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Decosimo Success Center in the College of Business has a new leader.<\/p>\n