Newsom chosen as new president of Pittsburg State University

The Kansas Board of Regents has approved a new president for Pittsburg State University.

The KBOR held a special meeting on Friday to discuss the search for the next president of PSU. They went into an executive session and after returning to open session – say they have chosen Dr. Thomas W. Newsom as the new president.

Newsom is currently the President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma.

Prior to Southeastern, he served as Vice President of Student Success at Texas A&M-Commerce and as President of Mesalands Community College in New Mexico, where he led the college to statewide and national recognition for growth and student success

At Southeastern, Newsom has prioritized academic excellence, student engagement, and enrollment growth. Under his leadership, the university set a record enrollment of over 5,000 students in Fall 2022. He has established working groups focused on recruitment, retention, diversity, and campus life to enhance the student experience.

Newsom currently serves as chair of the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) President’s Council and treasurer of the Oklahoma Council of Presidents. He is also active in the Durant community, serving on multiple local boards.

A native of Sherman, Texas, Newsom holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas. He and his wife, Vicky, have three children.

President Shipp announced his plans to resign in February and continued at PSU through May. He started his new role as president of Maryville University in St. Louis in June.

Under his leadership, the university launched the Great Gorilla Scholarship, opened the Howard W. Smith Student Success Center, and initiated the $55 million Gorilla Rising project.

Doug Ball had been acting as the Interim President. Ball has been with PSU since 2017.