New assistant dean named at School of Law
Vince Thomas, assistant dean of students at Hamline University School of Law, has been named new assistant dean for student and multicultural affairs at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. Thomas will begin his new position on April 10.
"I am very pleased that we were able to recruit a person of Dean Thomas' talents to the University of St. Thomas," said School of Law Dean Thomas Mengler. "As we were going through the interviewing process, it became very clear to me and to members of the search committee that Vince Thomas is particularly drawn to St. Thomas because of its mission and vision of faith, servant leadership and social justice."
Thomas' responsibilities at St. Thomas will include working with student organizations and assisting and counseling individual students. He also will spearhead efforts to promote public service and social justice initiatives within the law school and the greater community, and will lead School of Law efforts to become a more diverse and inclusive community.
Thomas also will work closely with the Office of Career and Professional Development and with Director of Academic Achievement Scott Swanson, and play a significant role in student recruitment. He also will oversee registrar functions and teach the Professional Responsibility course as an adjunct instructor.
Thomas has worked as assistant dean of students at Hamline's law school since 1995 and also has taught there for 10 years. He received his B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1983 and his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1986. Prior to his time at Hamline, Thomas was an associate attorney for the Briggs and Morgan law firm.
Thomas is an elder and clerk of the session at Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis and is a trustee of McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Barbara, and their two children.
