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After 21 years with the Quinnipiac University, Mark Thompson, executive vice president and provost, will be leaving May 31st, having just accepted the position of President at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.

This news comes in an email President Judy Olian sent to the university community this morning.

“This is a bittersweet moment as I announce the departure of one of the most beloved members of our community, and offer my heartfelt congratulations,” Olian wrote.

In 1998, Thompson joined the university as associate dean of the School of Business while also serving as Director of the MBA program. He then spent five years as dean of the School of Business. In July of 2018, Thompson was appointed executive vice president and provost, after serving as senior vice president for academic and student affairs since 2008. In his position as executive vice president and provost, Thompson serves as the chief academic officer, he oversees student affairs, athletics, public safety and information technology.

“Mark’s tenure as EVP and Provost has been characterized by extraordinary growth and excellence of the institution,” Olian wrote.

According to Olian, Thompson provided critical guidance and oversight during the establishment of the School of Engineering, the Frank H. Netter School of Medicine and Quinnipiac University Online. He was a major contributor to the university’s accreditation processes with the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology and the American Bar Association.

In his time as Dean, he launched the university’s micro-lending program in Nicaragua and the student-managed portfolio.

Thompson has also been closely involved with the university’s transition to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference and Big East athletic conferences.

Over the course of his academic leadership, the university’s faculty has increased in size and quality along with the unprecedented growth in the student body to over 10,000 students.

Olian notes that Thompson’s wife, Karyn, has also been an integral part of the university community, as well as a close partner to Thompson in all of his roles at Quinnipiac. She has served as a First Year Seminar instructor, has assisted in coordinating international experiences for School of Education students and has led student trips to Nicaragua. The Thompson’s daughters, Elizabeth ’16 and Kathryn ’18, are both proud Quinnipiac alumnae.

“I have come to rely greatly on Mark’s wisdom, clarity of judgment, integrity and fairness, and dry humor. He will be sorely missed,” Olian wrote. “This presidency is a wonderful opportunity for Mark, and Wentworth is fortunate to attract him. Mark’s daughters, mother and other family members reside in the Boston area, so this is something of a homecoming for him.”

On June 1, Jennifer Brown, dean of the School of Law since 2013, will assume the role of Interim EVP and Provost.

“Jennifer is a terrific academic leader, enhancing quality, enrollments and innovative programming at the law school, and serving as a trusted and admired member of the Leadership Council,” Olian wrote. “This is a vital role for QU. I am grateful to Jennifer for her acceptance of this leadership role, and greatly look forward to partnering with her.”

Brad Saxton, who served as dean of the School of Law between 2002 and 2013 and is currently a law school faculty member, will serve as interim dean of the law school.