PORT ANGELES — A former vice president for academic affairs at a Maryland community college has been named Peninsula College’s new vice president for instruction.
Steven L. Thomas will begin work July 1.
He is an educator with more than 25 years experience in both K-12 and post-secondary education, Peninsula College announced, saying he has worked as a teacher, researcher, policy analyst, college faculty member and higher education executive.
“I am excited to join Peninsula College,” Thomas said. “The committee that led the development of the 2020-2025 strategic plan did an excellent job of developing a navigational tool that will position the college to lead in the state and nationally as it relates to excellence in student success and excellence in creating equitable student experiences.
“Teaching and learning will be crucial to the success of this work, and I am looking forward to working with the faculty and staff at this institution to realize the institution’s vision and mission.”
Most recently, Thomas served as both a vice president and as special assistant to the president at Harford Community College in Maryland, where he managed a $20 million budget to lead the academic unit, and he assumed responsibility for leading the maintenance and development of both academic and workforce-related programs, overseeing personnel and ensuring high-quality teaching and learning.
Prior to joining Harford Community College, Thomas served as the dean for the health and human services division at North Seattle College, and he served as dean, department chair and associate professor at Paine College in Augusta, Ga.
The vice president for instruction position at Peninsula College was previously held by Sharon Buck, who retired in April.
