In recognition of his leadership and community involvement, Dr. Thom D. Chesney, associate provost and director of the GEMS Center at UT Dallas, has been designated one of the “21 for the 21st Century” by the Collin County Business Press.
Chesney was recognized during a dinner held last month for honorees and alumni of the program. The award has been given annually since 1997, and the event coincided with the publishing of the 21 for the 21st Century special section in the March 31 issue of the Collin County Business Press.
“I’m humbled by this recognition but also recognize that leadership awards are most often indicative of the committed and supportive teams with whom leaders collaborate toward designing and achieving shared goals,” Chesney said. “I count very few of my professional successes as individual achievements. To be sure, the influence and confluence of my family, colleagues and friends has shaped my leadership philosophy and approach. UT Dallas also has provided an excellent environment and opportunity in which to grow and develop further.”
Keynote speaker at the dinner event was Bob Montgomery, vice president of Southwest Airlines.
Chesney’s portrait, along with those of his fellow inductees, will be part of a traveling gallery displayed throughout Collin County for six months. His name also has been added to a list of influential Collin County citizens.
Chesney oversees the University’s GEMS Center, which provides individualized tutoring, peer-led team learning, supplemental instruction and coordinated group study for UT Dallas students.
His responsibilities include coordination of academic success and support services, facilitation of University-wide academic programs and core curriculum assessment. Chesney also coordinates the accreditation reaffirmation processes for UT Dallas, which is connected to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Outside the University, Chesney serves as chair of the McKinney, Texas, Arts Commission and chairs the leadership programs advisory committee for the McKinney Chamber of Commerce. He previously served as vice president of academic affairs and provost at Collin College. He received his PhD from Florida State University.