RADNOR, Pa. (Nov. 22, 2016)—Cabrini University has appointed Richard Thompson, PhD, to be founding Dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Allied Health, beginning July 1, 2017.
The announcement comes after a nationwide search that began after Cabrini became a University in July and restructured its academic disciplines into Schools.
“Dr. Thompson brings an extensive amount of higher education leadership both in Catholic liberal arts and in the sciences,” said Jeff Gingerich, PhD, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cabrini University. “It’s a dynamic time at Cabrini. We look forward to having him join the team as we continue to grow as a University.”
Thompson will join Cabrini after serving as the Dean of the School of Mathematics and Sciences at the College of Saint Rose in NY for nearly a decade. His leadership experience spans across disciplines including mathematics and sciences, engineering, business, education, nursing, physical education, health-related sciences, and the arts and humanities.
In addition to academic collaboration, Thompson has worked with a variety of departments to support student success—from financial aid and the business office to academic support services and spiritual life.
As an academic leader, Thompson has helped create new degree programs; managed academic quality, prioritization, and reaccreditation; and supervised faculty and staff. Prior to Saint Rose, Thompson served as Professor of Physics and Chair of the Department of Physics at McMurry University in Texas.
“It’s an honor to be appointed founding Dean at this important point in Cabrini’s history,” said Thompson. “I look forward to developing close working relationships with the faculty and staff at the University and working together to further advance the institution as a whole.”
Thompson holds a doctorate in Astronomy and Astrophysics from The Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy from the University of Florida.
About Cabrini University
Founded in 1957 by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cabrini University is a Catholic institution that empowers students to become advocates of social change through an Education of the Heart, focusing on academic excellence, community engagement, and leadership development.
Cabrini enrolls approximately 1,300 undergraduates in more than 35 majors, pre-professional programs, concentrations, and minors on its serene 112-acre campus located 30 minutes from Philadelphia. The University also enrolls 900 students in graduate, doctoral, and professional studies programs at its main campus in Radnor, PA, and at five off-campus locations.