North Greenville University (NGU) has announced that Dr. Paul Thompson, currently the dean of the College of Humanities, will be the founding dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences effective Jan. 1, 2019.
The College of Humanities and Sciences will include: the School of Humanities which will offer academic programs in English, history, and modern languages and linguistics; the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences will encompass the academic programs of political science, criminal justice and legal studies, and psychology; and the School of Science and Math will include undergraduate programs in biology, chemistry and physical science, computer science, health sciences, and math. The College will also house the interdisciplinary studies program.
“We are excited to consolidate these programs into one organizational structure, which will allow us to empower faculty, to develop more academic leaders, and to serve our students with enhanced quality,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant Jr. “Dean Thompson is a thoughtful leader who will position these academic programs for excellence and new opportunities for growth.”
Thompson received his doctorate in American history from Emory University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. He is a diversity fellow of The Riley Institute at Furman University and an alum of Leadership Greenville class 44.
“After serving as dean of the College of Humanities since 2015, I am honored that President Fant has appointed me as the founding dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences. I am excited to build on the solid programs and quality faculty I am inheriting from Dean Tom Allen, of the former College of Science and Math, and to work to advance Dr. Fant’s vision for the university,” said Thompson.
“Paul Thompson is a popular classroom teacher, thoughtful historian, and proven leader, both at North Greenville and in the wider community. He exemplifies what it means to think Christianly about higher education, and in this expanded leadership role he will have the opportunity to cast a wider vision and support the work of a greater number of faculty and their disciplines,” said NGU Provost and Dean of the University Faculty Dr. Nathan A. Finn. “I’m excited to see Dean Thompson and his gifted team of associate deans lead our programs in the humanities and sciences into a new season of flourishing.”
Thompson’s leadership team will include the following newly appointed associate deans: Dr. Cheryl Collier, associate dean, School of Humanities; Dr. David Tyner, associate dean, School of Social and Behavior Sciences; and Dr. Jeff French, associate dean, School of Science and Math.