Thom D. Chesney
Thom became SWC’s president in July 2024 after serving as president at Clarke University (IA) and Brookhaven College (TX), and holding academic and leadership roles at UT Dallas, Collin College, and other institutions. He holds degrees in Spanish, Creative Writing, and English Literature, and was an early adopter of student-centered, experiential, and service learning.
A mentor and coach to future leaders, Thom is known for his transparent storytelling on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. He values life/work balance, recharging outdoors through gardening, hiking, and biking, and indoors through cooking, craft beer, poker, and soccer.
His wife Noelle is a college educator, performer, and non-profit executive. They share life with two adult children and a houseful of rescued (and rescuing) pets.