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ESU Provost Steps Up to New Role with Kansas Board of Regents

Emporia, KS (10/30/2026) — Dr. R. Brent Thomas, the chief academic officer for Emporia State University, will leave the institution he has served for 20 years to take a similar role for the entire Kansas public higher education system.

Thomas, currently ESU's provost and vice president for academic affairs, will begin his new role as vice president for academic affairs at the Kansas Board of Regents on Jan. 3, 2027.

"Dr. Thomas brings a wealth of experience and a track record of collaborative leadership that will be a valuable asset to the Kansas public higher education system," said KBOR President and CEO Jennifer Bonds-Raacke. "His ability to build strong partnerships and unite people around a common purpose will help the Board advance opportunities for students and strengthen our system."

Thomas takes his new statewide role after a national search to replace Bonds-Raacke, who was named KBOR president and CEO in July. Thomas was encouraged and nominated for the role by higher education leaders across Kansas.

ESU President Dr. Matthew Baker announced Thomas' new role today (Friday, Oct. 30) with an email to campus.

"His appointment reflects the respect he has earned throughout the state's higher education community and the impact of his leadership at Emporia State University," Baker said. "This opportunity speaks to the collaborative leadership, experience and the commitment to students he has demonstrated at ESU. We are confident he will carry those strengths forward in service to public higher education across Kansas."

Thomas came to Emporia State in August 2006 as associate professor in biological sciences. He was named interim chair of the Department of Biological Sciences in 2008 before assuming the role full-time. He later served eight years as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences before being named ESU provost in 2022.

Among other accomplishments during his ESU career, Thomas has helped advance academic programs, expand hands-on learning opportunities and champion the vision behind the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center. His last official day at ESU will be Dec. 19.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have served Hornet Nation and deeply honored to continue serving higher education in Kansas," said Thomas on his new role. "Serving students at Emporia State University has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. I am deeply grateful to President Baker and to the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the university for the opportunity to serve this remarkable institution."

He continued: "Emporia State has shaped both my professional and personal life, and I am excited for the opportunity to take what I have learned here and use that experience in service to students, institutions and communities across Kansas."

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.

ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.

For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.

Media Attachments

Dr. R. Brent Thomas, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Emporia State University, will become the vice president for academic affairs at the Kansas Board of Regents in January 2027.

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