Monaca, PA — Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Katie Thomas as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. A long-standing advocate for student success and equity in higher education, Dr. Thomas brings more than 17 years of experience in community college leadership, instruction, and academic innovation to her new role.
Originally hired as English faculty, Dr. Thomas most recently served as Dean of the School of Professions and Transfer Studies at CCBC, where she oversaw the college’s largest academic division, encompassing five major pathways: business, criminal justice, education, liberal studies, and STEM. Under her leadership, the college successfully scaled the Guided Pathways model, leading to measurable growth in both enrollment and retention across those programs. She has also spearheaded assessment and accreditation on campus, creating a more data-driven institution.
“Dr. Thomas has been a transformational leader at CCBC,” said Dr. Roger W. Davis, president. “Her dedication to student-centered learning, her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing community colleges, and her passion for equity and access make her the ideal leader to guide our academic mission forward.”
A first-generation college student and lifelong resident of Lawrence County, Dr. Thomas began her educational journey at Butler County Community College before earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Edinboro University, a master’s degree in English Literature and Composition from Slippery Rock University, and a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh.
The hallmarks of her work have been innovation and impact. As the college’s inaugural Executive Director for Planning, Assessment, and Improvement, she led accreditation efforts, developed institutional learning outcomes, and launched the Center for Learning, Engagement, and Innovation. As dean, she oversaw a $1.7 million Build Back Better grant focused on re-envisioning STEM education. A key initiative from this grant, the Cybersecurity High School Academy, will launch in Fall 2025, enabling high school students to complete up to one year of an associate degree before graduation.
“Community colleges are the future of higher education,” said Dr. Thomas. “At CCBC, we are building pathways that not only help students transfer or enter the workforce quickly and confidently but also strengthen the long-term economic future of our region. I am honored to step into this new role and continue working with our exceptional faculty and staff to expand opportunities for all Western Pennsylvania students.”
Dr. Thomas resides in Neshannock Township and remains deeply connected to the communities CCBC serves. Her lived experience as a community college student, educator, and leader uniquely positions her to champion CCBC’s mission of empowering communities through education.
