In August, Sara Thompson was appointed Dean of the Division of Continuing Education and Vice Provost for Summer Session and Outreach and Engagement.
Thompson has more than 20 years of experience as a higher education leader. She came to CU-Boulder after serving as Associate Provost of New Program Initiatives and Dean of the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Prior to her appointment at The Catholic University of America, she was Assistant Professor and Director of the Business and Management Program at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Professional Studies in Business and Education from 1997 to 2000, and she was the Director of the Small Business Development Center for the University of Wisconsin’s Division of Continuing Education from 1993 to 1997.
Thompson has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Illinois University, an MBA from CU-Boulder, and a PhD in educational and industrial psychology from Marquette University.
Upon her appointment, Thompson said she is thrilled to be back at CU-Boulder and is looking forward to supporting the university and creating further opportunities to carry out its mission and its role in Flagship 2030.
Get to know Dean Thompson in this lighthearted Q&A:
You received your MBA from CU-Boulder. What was your favorite thing about being a graduate student at CU-Boulder?
"Do I have to choose just one? If so, it would be the experiential learning in the MBA program. One of my favorite assignments was to develop of an advertising and PR campaign for a local client. My group worked with the Boulder Community Hospital’s Urgent Care Center on a multi-media effort, which included the idea of putting a large bandage on Devil’s Thumb during the Bolder Boulder race. This project was instrumental in obtaining my first job after graduate school as a marketing director for a major healthcare system in the Midwest."
Now that you’re back, what has changed?
"The rankings, reputation, and recognition have continued to soar, which has had a tremendous impact on the state and beyond. Approximately 325,000 Coloradans in 45 counties are touched each year by our faculty and outreach programs. That’s impressive!"
You’ve led an accomplished career in higher education, what is one of your favorite things that is unique to CU-Boulder?
"There is an entrepreneurial spirit that seems to be in the DNA of this campus. It’s unique to have such a strong culture of growth and innovation."
Where is your favorite place to meet campus colleagues?
"In my first week or so, a fellow dean took me to lunch at the Sink. I’ve been back several times. There’s really no place like it!"
What is a “favorite thing” that might surprise your colleagues?
"I’m not sure if it’s a surprise, since I talk about it a lot, but one of my “favorite things” is music. I paid my way through college as a vocalist in jazz and big bands, and I still enjoy hearing live music of pretty much any kind."
What is your favorite thing about your new-ish role as Dean and Vice Provost?
"My favorite thing about my role as Dean and Vice Provost is creating programs that can have a real and lasting impact on the lives of the residents of this state and beyond. I believe that education is transformational. If Continuing Education, Outreach and Engagement, and Summer Session can assist people with their lifelong journey of education, then we have done our job!
For more information about Thompson’s appointment, read the news release.
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