President Kenneth Evans announced the selection of Dr. Thomas J. Gamble as Interim
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs on July 26, 2024. Gamble assumed his new position as the university’s top academic official on July 28, 2024
The appointment follows the departure of Dr. Michelle Kiec who served as Provost and
Vice President of Academic Affairs for two years beginning in July 2022.
Gamble, a native of Pennsylvania, holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Gannon
University, a master’s degree in psychology, and a doctorate in psychology and social psychology
from Syracuse University.
Additionally, Gamble brings extensive academic expertise to the position. President Evans details Gamble’s experience, sharing that Gamble has a combined 16 years as a university president at Mercyhurst University and Maria College both of which are located on the East Coast.
Furthermore, he shares that Gamble, “has served as an adjunct and tenured faculty member and
vice president of academic affairs, chief academic officer, and dean of health sciences.”
Gamble is recognized for his “considerable experience in accreditation” as a visiting team
member with the Middle States Commission. He is commended for his involvement in United
Way Erie County, the Association of Independent Colleges and Pennsylvania, the National
Psychology Honor Society, and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Erie County; aligning himself
with the university’s community centered focus.
Ultimately, university officials now face the task finding and appointing a permanent Provost and
Vice-President of Academic Affairs.
A tentative timeline has not been released regarding the search process; however, it is
worth noting that the appointment of former Provost Kiec took nearly three years to complete.
In the meantime, Dr. Gamble will indefinitely remain at the helm of Academic Affairs.
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