Dr. Anita Jones Thomas Installed as the 11th President of North Central College

From our founding, the College opened its doors wide to educate men and women for service, to help prepare graduates for connection to others, to move for what is right, and for the importance of social justice.”

Surrounded by music, in the company of family and friends, and embraced by a welcoming Cardinal community, Dr. Anita Jones Thomas was installed as president of North Central College on Nov. 11, 2023, in the College’s Wentz Concert Hall.

Students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, community members, and friends of the College attended the historic celebration. Thomas is the College’s 11th president since its founding in 1861, and she is the first woman and first person of color to serve in the role.

Dr. Kathy Birkett, trustee and inauguration committee co-chair, welcomed guests.

Voices of Praise, North Central’s student-led gospel choir, sang “Revelations 19:1” by Stephen Hurd as Dr. Thomas looked on. They were followed by the Chamber Singers, who performed “I Should Be Glad” by Susan LaBarr.

In their welcome remarks, trustees Dr. Kathy Birkett and Dr. Herman White Jr. noted that it was both Veterans Day for the nation and Founders Day for the College. On Nov. 11, in 1861, the institution opened its doors for the first day of classes.

Board Chair Holly Humphrey’79, MD, formally presided over the installation of President Thomas. Humphrey noted what distinguished Thomas during the presidential search process: “Her accomplishments as a psychologist, scholar, and as a respected college leader at multiple institutions have prepared her well for this position as our College president.”

She later added, “Dr. Thomas, your credentials and experience, together with your character and demeanor, are the ingredients that make you the right person at this time in our 162-year history to lead North Central College forward. I invite all of us to bolster Dr. Thomas and North

Central College with our own disposition and demeanor, our service and our prayers.”

During the ceremony, Thomas pledged to guard and guide the institution by accepting the “Symbols of the College,” including the charter presented by North Central faculty and staff representatives; the symbols of lux veritas — light and truth — presented by representatives from the student body; and the chain of office presented by Humphrey.

“I am so grateful to accept the symbols of office and to stand here as your leader,” Thomas said in her inaugural address. “Since its founding, North Central College opened its doors wide to educate both men and women for service, to move for what is right, and for the importance of social justice. Given that history, it is fitting and appropriate that the College has selected a woman of color to lead.”

Speaking directly to students, Thomas added: “This institution is you, and this institution is for you. My doors are always open. I want to hear from you and learn with you. My leadership will only be as strong as we are when we live out our mission together — to be a diverse community of learners.”

The ceremony included performances by student musicians, reading selections and prayers. It concluded with a benediction and singing of North Central’s Alma Mater.

Representing faculty and staff during the installation were Staff Council co-chairs Nicole Musni, director of counseling, Dyson Wellness Center; Shelly Galasso’05, executive director, Office of Sponsored Research and Programs; and Interim Faculty Speaker Dr. Matthew Pons, Marie and Bernice Gantzert Professor in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Representing students during the installation were Mario Jayes’23, graduate assistant in the Office of Student Involvement, and Paige Kozial ’24, president of the Student Governing Association.

Two days of special events brought members of the Cardinal community and guests together to dialogue, worship and celebrate the past while sharing hope for the next chapter of the College’s history.

Friday, November 10

President’s Roundtable on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Panelists discussed “How do you open doors wider to foster a culture of excellence?” during an event at Meiley-Swallow Hall.

PrezFest: A student-organized, family-friendly event with live music, karaoke, raffles, food trucks, and a roller skating rink.

Saturday, November 11:

Inauguration Worship Service: Led by Eric Doolittle, chaplain of the College, with guest preacher Bishop Michael E. Dantley, attendees sang together, prayed together, and offered their blessings over the new president at Koten Chapel.

Investiture: During the investiture ceremony, Dr. Thomas was formally installed as the 11th president of North Central College. The event was streamed live and can be viewed in its entirety online.

After the worship service on Saturday morning, family, friends and members of the Cardinal community formed a Circle of Blessing to offer prayers and affirmation over President Thomas. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the United Methodist Church Wisconsin Conference led the blessing. The bishop is also a College trustee.