Providence College Appoints Dr. Thomas Smith as New Provost

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Students at Providence College engaged in collaborative work, symbolizing diversity and inclusivity.

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.