Dr. Thomas Newsom is Pittsburg State University’s 11th President. He introduced himself to the students and campus staff at the Bicknell Performing Arts Center today.
Newsom is excited for this new role and said “it's a great day to be a gorilla”
In his welcome speech, he outlined his goals as President. The first one revolves around student well-being.
“Our mission will always be, that our success is not necessarily what our students do here at Pittsburg state. But our true success is what our students do when they leave us,” he explained.
He said this revolves around a simple idea ‘everyone on this campus is an educator.’
Dr. Newsom also wants to continue the momentum his predecessor, Dan Shipp, started. In October last year, PSU reported steady increases in enrollment over the last four years.
He also wants to finish previous projects that are in progress, like the Kelce School of Business relocation.
The next goal is to be a student ready university – meaning ‘students come from different perspectives, different frame of reference’, he explained.
The final goal is to create a cohesive relationship with the city of Pittsburg and the local school districts.
“We're going to be a great partner with our city and our region, with local school districts, other colleges and universities,” he adds.
He thanked his parents, who are both educators, and inspired Dr. Newsom to pursue education.
During a press conference following the welcoming ceremony, Dr. Newsom said he already has a task on his first day – reviewing the buildings students rely on, like cafeterias and residential halls.
“I think that the best thing that I can do as president immediately is to find some things where I can make improvements that will improve the pride of our students in our university,” he added.
He proudly thanked his wife Vicky for the love and support. He once owned a community newspaper and worked in collegiate athletic communications. They’re the parents of three adult children: Katie, Will, and John.
He has 20 years of education experience and previously served as Southeast Oklahoma State University for five years.
During a special meeting on Friday, the Kansas Board of Regents picked Newsom to be PSU’s next president.
His hiring comes after President Dan Shipp resigned earlier this year for another position.
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