Monica Thompson named interim assistant vice president for student affairs

DSAES News
July 21, 2022

Dr. Monica Thompson has been named the new interim assistant vice president for student affairs in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services. She takes over for Dr. Daniel Maxwell, who was recently named the interim vice president of the Division by UH President Renu Khator.

Thompson, who has been the executive director of University Career Services since 2014, will continue to service concurrently in that role as well, though Dr. Tiffany Bitting assumes oversight for the day-to-day operations of UCS.

“I am thankful to both Drs. Thompson and Bitting for accepting my invitation to serve the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services with these additional responsibilities,” Maxwell said. “They are both talented, thoughtful, and intentional professionals who have made a positive impact with our students and university community over the last seven years or so. I am excited to see what they can do over the course of this next year.”

As interim assistant vice president for student affairs, Thompson will be a member of the Executive Leadership Team and maintain office hours in both the vice president’s suite in E. Cullen and in University Career Services.

“I want to express gratitude to Dr. Daniel Maxwell for appointing me interim assistant vice president for student affairs,” Thompson said. “It’s both an honor and privilege to be considered for this opportunity. I am humbled by the confidence Dr. Maxwell has placed in me.”

Thompson, a native of Houston, is a first-generation college graduate. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University, a master’s degree from Texas A&M University, and an Ed.D. in ethical leadership from the University of St. Thomas. Prior to joining UH, Thompson worked at the University of Texas at Austin for 13 years, cultivating professional development opportunities at UT-Austin’s business career services.

Thompson’s duties will include the oversight of the division wide functions of assessment and planning, communications and marketing, emergency preparedness and academic partnerships. Additionally, she will oversee the Urban Experience Program, will coordinate the Division’s services at the University of Houston at Sugar Land and the University of Houston at Katy. She will also serve on Dr. Maxwell’s behalf on a number of campus committees including the Faculty Senate’s Undergraduate Committee, the Cougar Card Advisory Board, the SAM Policy Advisory Committee, and the Emergency Preparedness Committees.

Thompson will retain ultimate oversight for University Career Services and continue to lead its strategic function. Bitting has the working title of interim director of University Career Services and will serve on the Senior Leadership Team.

Maxwell was named interim vice president for student affairs and enrollment services to take over for Dr. Richard Walker, who is now serving as interim president at the University of Houston — Clear Lake. Walker will serve in that role for several months. Read more about Dr. Monica Thompson.