GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College announced today that Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D. has been appointed as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College effective January 1, 2025. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, she will oversee and guide the College’s academic programs and faculty.
“Dr. Nowinski is a highly respected and accomplished member of the campus community, whose visionary and collaborative leadership will elevate Thiel’s academic programs and support the institution’s mission,” Thiel College President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. said. “Her ability to bring people together, innovate within academic frameworks, and focus on the holistic development of our students will be instrumental in shaping a vital future for the College.”
Nowinski joined Thiel College in 2015 as an Assistant Professor of History and has steadily risen through the ranks, earning promotion to Associate Professor in 2020 and Full Professor in 2024. In 2020, she took on the leadership of the Dietrich Honors Institute, creating new opportunities for Thiel’s strongest students to engage in independent inquiry and research. She has been deeply engaged in shaping academic life and governance at the College. She has served on numerous faculty committees, including Faculty Council, Promotion and Tenure, and the Faculty Executive Committee, as well as on faculty and staff search committees. Her contributions also include playing a vital role in drafting the College’s strategic plan, Thiel 2026: Launching Leaders, as part of the strategic planning committee in 2021.
As the Kenneth and Mariana Brown Dietrich Honors Institute Chair, Nowinski provided exemplary leadership and strengthened ties between the Institute and the National College Honors Council, developed innovative curricula alongside Honors faculty, and enhanced the Honors student experience through collaboration with many campus stakeholders.
Nowinski’s expertise in French history has earned her recognition through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national conferences. Her commitment to academic excellence and her collaborative approach have made her a trusted and valued leader in the Thiel College community. She has a bachelor's degree from Boston College and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.