Ph.D., University of Virginia
M.S., Florida State University
B.A. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
As vice president for student affairs and dean of students, Dr. Matha Thornton serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and Senior Staff leading the areas of Dining Services, Health and Wellness, Residential Life, Safety and Security, Student Conduct, Student Leadership and Engagement, and Title IX.
With over 20 years of experience working in higher education, Thornton oversees student affairs, student engagement and leadership, residential life, campus life, health and wellness, multicultural affairs, dining services, the bookstore, and safety and security. Prior to assuming the role of vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Fisher, Thornton served a mirrored role at Randolph College where she was the vice president for student affairs and dean of students. She also served as the College’s Title IX coordinator. Thornton also served in previous roles as associate dean of student life at St. Lawrence University, director of student housing at Haverford College, and director of housing/coordinator of first-year residential programs at The College of Wooster.
Thornton graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She then went on to obtain her M.S. from Florida State University and her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia.