New Dean of Students Appointed

A&M-Commerce has appointed Dr. Thomas Newsom as the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students.

Provost Dr. John Humphreys calls the hire “very positive for the university, as [it] will strengthen the university and allow Student Affairs to further develop an environment that promotes student engagement and success.” He went on to say,  “Dr. Newsom's experience, skills, and knowledge will lead Student Affairs to a higher level of commitment and professionalism for the university community.”

Dr. Newsom comes to Commerce after serving as President of Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico, which saw a double-digit increase in enrollment and improved graduation rates during his five years as president. A national leader in education, Dr. Newsom recently completed his tenure as the Chair of the President's Academy Executive Committee of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and has attended annual meetings at the White House.

Dr. Newsom describes himself as “a professional educator who loves being around students.”  As a native Texan and a Lion, Dr. Newsom is excited to “come back home,” now as Dean of Students. His first 14 days have been filled with one-on-one meetings, conversations, and student-led tours of campus as he observes and becomes familiar with procedures—and with the students themselves. “I see myself as a facilitator of collaboration to promote student success,” says Dr. Newsom. For him, the best way to help students is by understanding their experience through their eyes and words.

“Dr. Newsom brings our University a wealth of experience and ideas for even greater integration of students and faculty,” said university president Dr. Ray Keck. “His plans will give new energy to an institution already proud of a warm, family-like feeling on campus.”

Dr. Newsom obtained a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from The University of North Texas, an M.S. in Higher Education from A&M-Commerce, and a B.A. in Business Administration from Austin College. Dr. Newsom's wife Vicky is a fifth-grade teacher in McKinney, and they have three children: Will, Katie, and John.