April 28, 2025
Providence College names new provost and senior vice president for academic affairs
Thomas Smith, Ph.D., an accomplished teacher and scholar who has been in academic leadership positions at top Catholic universities for 20 years, has been appointed Providence College’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
College President Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. ’78, ’82G announced the appointment in an email to faculty and staff members on Tuesday, April 22. Father Sicard selected Smith, who will begin work on July 1, at the conclusion of a national search that drew nearly 90 applicants.
“Dr. Smith brings a deep understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition and an enviable track record of academic leadership focused on serving faculty and students,” Father Sicard said. “He will be a great addition to our senior leadership team. I look forward to working with him in developing the programs and initiatives that will catalyze Providence College’s continued trajectory as one of the nation’s leading Catholic, liberal arts colleges.”
“I’m honored by the confidence President Sicard has shown in inviting me to become Providence College’s next provost,” Smith said. “Throughout the search process I was struck by the hospitality and pride of the Friar family. So it an honor and privilege to be called to serve our community in this role.
“Higher education faces serious challenges,” Smith continued. “In this landscape Providence College has something essential to propose about the dignity of every person and the integrity of our common search for the truth about ourselves and the world. I look forward to working with President Sicard, the cabinet, deans, faculty, and staff to advance the college’s mission and the excellence of its academic programs in a culture characterized by transparency, trust, and collegiality.”
Smith currently serves as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at The Catholic University of America. Prior to taking that position in 2020, he spent 20 years at Villanova University, where he began his academic career as an assistant professor in political science in 2000. He was named founding chair of Villanova’s Department of Humanities in 2003 and was promoted to associate dean for humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences in 2008. Two years later, he began a successful 10-year term as director of Villanova’s University Honors Program (2010-2020).
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, a master’s degree from CUA, and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.
The deans of PC’s four schools report to the provost and senior vice president. As leader of the Office of Academic Affairs, the provost oversees an array of academic and administrative units including academic services, admission and financial aid, assessment, the Center for Engaged Learning, the Center for Global Education, the Center for Teaching Excellence, institutional research, instructional technology, Phillips Memorial Library, Providence Alliance for Catholic Teachers, and the registrar’s office.
Father Sicard thanked the search committee that worked over several months to develop the extensive applicant pool and identify the most promising candidates. Sylvia Maxfield, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs and a finance professor, co-chaired that committee with Jay Pike, Ph.D., a chemistry professor and Faculty Senate president.
