BETHLEHEM, PA – Northampton Community College (NCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn C. Thomas, Ed.D. as Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Partnerships, bringing with her an impressive record of innovation and leadership in workforce education, adult learning, and economic development.
In this critical senior leadership role, Dr. Thomas will provide visionary, college-wide leadership to align the college’s mission with regional economic development goals to support employers, prospective students, and communities throughout Northampton and Monroe Counties. This role is responsible for anticipating and providing solutions for the workforce development needs of partners in business and industry as well as community partners.
“Dr. Thomas brings a unique combination of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep experience in forming community and industry partnerships,” said Dr. David A. Ruth, Ph.D., President of Northampton Community College. “Her passion for accessible workforce programs that meet the needs of our region will be a tremendous asset to our college.”
Most recently, Dr. Thomas served as executive director of adult and continuing education and business engagement at Rowan College at Burlington County in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, where she led multiple departments within the Workforce Development division. Under her leadership, the college launched dual-enrollment GED programs which allow students to earn industry-recognized certifications and increase their employability.
Dr. Thomas holds a doctorate in higher education and organizational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, master’s degrees from Holy Family University and Temple University, and a bachelor’s from LaSalle University. She is a certified workforce development professional and has been an active leader in national and regional professional organizations, including serving as President-Elect of the American Association of Women in Community Colleges chapter at Rowan College.
With a proven commitment to equitable access, community collaboration, and lifelong learning, Dr. Thomas is poised to further NCC’s mission of building pathways to prosperity through education.
About Northampton Community College
With an enduring commitment to the regional communities it serves and a focus on student success, Northampton Community College is an educational institution of extraordinary distinction, earning accolades at the state and national levels for innovative programs, outstanding faculty, and impressive student achievements. It counts among its successful alumni a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and an Academy Award winning director, as well as a host of CEOs, presidents, and leaders of business and industry. Today, Northampton Community College has locations in Bethlehem, Southside Bethlehem, and Monroe County, serving 30,000 students annually from 53 counties, 42 countries, and 25 states. For more information or to apply, please visit northampton.edu. Follow NCC’s President on X @NCCPresDaveRuth, and the college on LinkedIn, Instagram @NorthamptonCommCollege, TikTok @NorthamptonCC, and Facebook.
