Kimberly Thomas has been named the new director of the Joseph F. Decosimo Success Center in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business. She comes to UTC after serving as dean of students at the University of Nevada in Reno.
Thomas began work on Aug. 14, with Sue Culpepper—who announced her retirement in July—supporting the transition process through mid-October.
“I look forward to engaging in collaborative efforts with new colleagues in the College of Business and the greater UTC community,” Thomas said. “I 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.”
Robert Dooley, dean of the College of Business, described her as “innovative, strategic thought leader who values teamwork rooted in community building.”
“Kimberly’s work in higher education demonstrates a commitment to collaborative work with students, staff and faculty to increase student persistence, retention and graduation,” he said. “She 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.”
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.
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.
During her time in Reno, Thomas worked to improve students’ 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 “You Got This! Empowering the Pack,” a successful social media campaign which educated first-year students in on-campus housing about alcohol and other drugs.
She also created “The Living Lab,” a research opportunity for historically underrepresented students and first-generation students.
Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Alabama and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.
