Thomas To Become 1st Woman, Person Of Color To Lead North Central College

NAPERVILLE, IL — North Central College has selected Dr. Anita Thomas as its new president, who will make history as the first woman and person of color to head the university. Thomas was unanimously chosen by board members replace Dr. Troy Hammond, who announced his resignation last June.

“Dr. Thomas is an inspiring and proven leader whose values are aligned with North Central College’s mission to prepare students to become curious and engaged citizens and leaders in their communities,” Board Chair Holly Humphrey said in a statement.

Humphrey added, "She has a keen sense of the higher education landscape and is poised to draw upon her vast experience in academia, and as a national thought leader, to move this institution forward. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Thomas to the North Central community."

Most recently, Thomas worked at St. Catherine University in Minnesota as the executive vice president and provost, having held that position since 2019. She also served as founding dean of the University of Indianapolis's College of Applied Behavioral Sciences, after working as a faculty member, graduate program director of counseling psychology and associate dean of research and academic affairs at Loyola University over the course of 10 years.

Thomas earned her bachelor's degree in social policy and education at Northwestern University before getting her masters degree in community counseling at Loyola. Her doctorate degree was also earned at Loyola University, where Thomas studied counseling psychology.

“A college campus is the best place to address diversity and equity issues, a place to ‘unify diversity,’” Thomas said in a news release. “As educators and lifelong learners, we have an opportunity to encourage diverse voices and leadership that will enhance the campus and serve as a model for students as they advance beyond college, bringing about more diverse perspectives around the table.”

Former President Hammond resigned in 2022 after 10 years heading up North Central College. Thomas's appointment comes after a months-long search that spanned the United States.