NEWS

Dr. Donna Thomas

Today during its regular board meeting, the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System approved two important leadership positions for Louisiana Tech University. Cami Geisman will serve as executive vice president for external affairs and Dr. Donna Thomas as the University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Selected following a national search, Thomas began her career at Louisiana Tech in 2005 as an assistant professor of psychology. She served as department chair for psychology and behavioral sciences for more than nine years before becoming associate vice president for academic affairs in January 2022. She has served as interim provost since August 2023.

“Donna brings a mixture of proven academic leadership, innate authenticity, and deep affinity for Louisiana Tech to this vitally important position,” President Jim Henderson said. “Having observed her in various roles and after working directly with her at Louisiana Tech, I have the utmost confidence in her ability to work with our faculty and academic leaders to advance our institution beyond its already considerable prominence among the nation’s universities.”

Thomas is a two-time graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where she earned a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in experimental psychology. She earned her PhD in counseling psychology from Louisiana Tech.

“I am humbled and deeply honored to serve Louisiana Tech as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,” Thomas said. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to advance our shared commitment to academic excellence.”

Cami Geisman

Geisman joined Tech in January. She spent the previous eight years at the University of Louisiana System, most recently as vice president for external affairs and chief of staff. As Tech’s executive vice president for external affairs, she will oversee the University’s marketing and communications efforts, enhance brand recognition and execution, and strengthen relationships with governmental, legislative, and community partners.

“Having worked with Cami the past seven years at the UL System, I know well the immense value she brings to our leadership team at Louisiana Tech and to the City of Ruston,” Henderson said. “Her demonstrated expertise in messaging will enable us to elevate the Tech brand through the stories of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Her credibility throughout the state and in our nation’s capital will allow for a more comprehensive and substantive approach to advocacy as she works with the Louisiana legislature and our congressional delegation to advance the institution.”

Geisman earned her undergraduate degree in journalism from the Louisiana State University Manship School of Mass Communication. She holds a master’s in public administration from ULM.

“Louisiana Tech is a beautiful institution with a rich history and well-established reputation for excellence. This opportunity to ensure an even broader audience understands the great work happening in Ruston is an honor,” Geisman said. “I look forward to continuing to work with policymakers to support our students, faculty and staff.”

In addition to these leadership positions, the University is expected to announce a new athletic director by the end of the month. At that point, the only remaining interim position on the executive team will be vice president of advancement. A national search for that position will begin this spring.