Director of summer academic programs, residencies named

Auden Thomas has been named director of summer academic programs and residencies in Skidmore's Office of the Dean of Special Programs. 

Thomas, who joined the Skidmore staff earlier this semester, is responsible for the administration and oversight of the college's Summer Term, which offers summer academic courses in the liberal arts and the studio arts to Skidmore students, visiting students from other college and universities, and qualified high school students. In addition, she oversees several institutes and residencies designed to enhance the intellectual life of the college and the local community.

She and her four-person staff are responsible for Skidmore's Summer Studio Art Program, Pre-College Summer Program, the New York State Summer Writers Institute and Young Writers Institute, the Perlow Series, and the Greenberg Middle East Scholar-in-Residence Program.

Interim Dean of Special Programs Paul Calhoun said, "It is a pleasure to welcome Auden to our staff and to the campus community. Her knowledge and experience in higher education and summer programming will enhance our current offerings and strengthen our ability to provide new options for students.

Prior to joining the Skidmore community Thomas directed the Center for Survey Research at Penn State Harrisburg. Her administrative experience includes work in higher education student affairs at the University of the Arts and Widener University, survey administration activities and research at the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research, and service as chair of Penn State's Commission for Women, one of three presidentially appointed equity commissions within the university. In addition, she has taught courses in the social construction of gender and survey research methods.

Thomas holds a Ph.D. in higher education with minors in anthropology and gender studies from Indiana University Bloomington, a master of fine arts degree from Temple University, and a bachelor of arts degree from Penn State University.

She is a member of the North American Association of Summer Sessions, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and the History of Education Society.