North Central College President Anita Thomas is leaving the Naperville institution after only a year at its helm.
Thomas, who has been on a leave of absence, will not be returning as president once her leave ends July 30, the college’s Board of Trustees announced in a news release Monday.
According to the announcement, the board previously communicated on May 30 that Thomas would be taking a leave from the college. It is not clear when the leave began or for what reason.
Thomas could not be immediately reached for comment. College spokesman Jeremy Borling declined to answer additional questions beyond what was said in the release.
Thomas assumed the post on July 1, 2023, succeeding Troy Hammond, who served as North Central president for a decade before announcing his resignation in June 2022. Trustees unanimously chose Thomas as Hammond’s successor after conducting a nationwide search.
Thomas was the first woman and person of color to lead the college in its 163-year history.
In Thomas’ absence, the college’s provost and vice president of academic affairs — Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá — has been serving as acting president.
Board chair Michael Naset, speaking in the news release, said that, “After taking some time off, Dr. Thomas will be continuing her career in higher education.” He offered no further explanation as to the nature of her departure from the college.
He thanked Thomas “for her service,” noting that during her tenure, she “was a mission-driven and student-centered leader.”
Prior to coming to Naperville, Thomas was the executive vice president and provost of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
