News Summary
Providence College has appointed Dr. Thomas Smith as its new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, effective July 1. Dr. Smith, currently the Dean at the Catholic University of America, brings over two decades of academic leadership experience from Villanova University. His selection follows the resignation of Dr. Sean Reid amid inclusivity concerns. Dr. Smith aims to foster a culture of respect and tackle contemporary challenges related to diversity and inclusion within the college community.
Providence, Rhode Island – Providence College has announced the appointment of Dr. Thomas Smith as the new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Smith, who will officially assume his new role on July 1, was selected following a national search that attracted nearly 90 applicants.
Currently, Dr. Smith serves as the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the Catholic University of America (CUA), a position he has held since 2020. In addition to his administrative duties, he also teaches as a professor in the Department of Politics at CUA. His experience precedes his tenure at CUA; prior to that, Dr. Smith spent two decades at Villanova University. He began at Villanova as an assistant professor of political science in 2000 and took on several leadership roles, including serving as the Founding Chair of the Department of Humanities and the Associate Dean for Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Smith’s academic background is robust, with a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, a master’s degree from CUA, and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame. His various roles at Villanova including directing the University Honors Program allowed him to cultivate an environment focused on academic excellence and student engagement.
The need for a new provost arose following the resignation of Dr. Sean Reid, who previously held the position. Dr. Reid’s departure was connected to mounting tensions surrounding issues of inclusivity, specifically involving the LGBTQ+ community. A letter from students and organizations, which raised concerns over perceived discrimination, was central to the circumstances surrounding his resignation, further highlighting the ongoing demand for recognition and supportive policies for LGBTQ+ individuals within the college.
Dr. Smith expressed his honor and gratitude for being selected by President Sicard, indicating his respect for the Providence College community and its values. His appointment comes at a crucial time for the institution, as it seeks to address the challenges related to inclusivity and community engagement amid ongoing discussions about its policies regarding LGBTQ+ representation.
As Dr. Smith prepares to take on this new role, his extensive background in academia and administration positions him well to lead Providence College through a period of change and transition. His focus will likely center on fostering a culture of respect and openness while enhancing the academic stature of the college.
This appointment not only marks a significant change in leadership but also underscores the College’s commitment to addressing contemporary issues within higher education, particularly those impacting student diversity and inclusion. As the college community awaits Dr. Smith’s arrival, stakeholders remain hopeful for a new chapter that emphasizes mutual respect and progressive dialogue.
In conclusion, Dr. Thomas Smith’s selection as the new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs is a pivotal moment for Providence College, one that comes with the expectation of ongoing efforts to support and uplift all members of the college community, especially those from marginalized groups.
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- ABC6 News
- Wikipedia: Providence College
- Providence Business News
- Google Search: Providence College
- GoLocalProv
- Google Scholar: Providence College
- Hyperallergic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College
- Providence Journal
- Google News: Providence College LGBTQ+
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
