Art Thomas
University College has been renamed the College of Professional Studies. For over 100 years, the college’s mission has been to provide educational opportunities to those whose only access to 鶹ƵUniversity is through part-time study. The new name reflects the expanded purpose to serve students who desire to attend 鶹Ƶthrough a college recognized for market-sensitive professional studies degree programs, accessible academic pathways and world-class online education.
Within the College of Professional Studies, the Department of Executive Education has been established to develop responsive and market-sensitive credit, non-credit, continuing education and alternative credential courses and programs for students looking to complement existing credentials, advance their knowledge or redirect their careers.
The new department serves and supports the schools and colleges within the University to set strategic direction and coordinate partnership opportunities, developing strong working relationships with faculty, staff and external parties to identify and leverage instructional talent and opportunities for collaboration. The department’s additional near-term services will include identifying and analyzing challenges, opportunities, markets, competitors and industry trends.
Art Thomas, associate dean for career services and experiential learning in the School of Information Studies (iSchool), has been named executive director of the executive education department. Thomas began his career at 鶹Ƶin 2001 as an adjunct professor. He became an assistant professor of practice in 2009. He consistently rose through the ranks becoming associate dean for academic affairs in the iSchool in 2015 and associate dean for career services and experiential learning in the iSchool in 2020.
“Art is a long-time collaborator with the college, an active supporter of our students and staunch advocate of our mission,” says Dean Michael Frasciello. “He is creative and thoughtful and has exceptional relationships throughout the University. We could not be more fortunate to have someone of Art’s depth, experience and entrepreneurial spirit designing and launching our new executive education strategy and programs portfolio.”
Thomas earned a bachelor of arts degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Brockport and a master of education degree in curriculum development and instructional media from SUNY at Buffalo, where he also completed his Ph.D. in research and evaluation – instructional systems design and management.
The College of Professional Studies at 鶹ƵUniversity offers online and on-campus professional degrees, non-credit programs and executive education programs, delivering exceptional support and services to a diverse part-time student population seeking a 鶹ƵUniversity education.
