Catherine Thomas, DNP, MSN, BSN has been named as the next dean of Colby-Sawyer College’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences. She will begin her new role on Aug. 31.

With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Thomas has dedicated her career to fostering academic excellence, supporting diverse student populations and forging the strategic health care partnerships necessary to sustain and grow nursing programs. She was most recently the associate dean for nursing at Worcester State University in Massachusetts. Before that, she served as nursing department chair at Central Connecticut State University.

Thomas’s academic expertise spans undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula, program accreditation and student-centered instructional design. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph, a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on nursing education from the University of Hartford and a Doctor of Nursing Practice, nurse educator track from Regis College. She is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and she won a Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing in 2017.

Her extensive teaching and administrative background are complemented by years of acute clinical practice, including experience in medical and cardiac-surgical intensive care units. She is deeply committed to community service, regularly volunteering at free mobile medical and dental clinics and serving on the board for an organization that addresses regional housing insecurity.

As dean, Thomas will provide leadership to the college’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, as well as degree completion programs in health studies, nursing and respiratory therapy. Her collaboration with the college’s key partner, Dartmouth Health, will further enhance workforce readiness and address workforce shortages across the state and region.

“I am honored to be selected as Colby-Sawyer’s newest dean, and I am excited to continue the transformative work that Colby-Sawyer and Dartmouth Health are doing, providing students with unparalleled clinical placements and career opportunities,” Thomas said. “As dean, I will prioritize nurturing and expanding clinical partnerships, working to align Colby-Sawyer’s graduates with the evolving workforce demands of New Hampshire and New England.”

As an educator, Thomas is deeply committed to the holistic development of faculty and students. She is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where students from all backgrounds feel supported from enrollment through graduation. She believes in shared governance, transparent communication and advocating for resources faculty need to excel in both teaching and scholarship.

Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculty Hilary Williams announced Thomas’s appointment in a letter to the college community in early August.

“Search committee members and references alike cited Catherine's warmth, collegiality and teamwork; support of people; organizational skills and ability to hit the ground running,” Williams wrote. “We are thrilled that she will be bringing these strengths to the CSC community and our partnership with Dartmouth Health.”