Dr. Thom Chesney has been named the new President of Brookhaven College, effective Aug. 15. Most recently, Chesney has served as associate provost for student success and an associate professor of arts and humanities at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Chesney, who previously was district vice president for academic affairs as well as provost and district dean of communications and humanities at Collin County Community College District, also served as assistant dean of integrated studies for the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa., and director of freshman advising/freshman seminar and full-time faculty at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. Chesney earned a doctorate in English literature from Florida State University, a master's degree in creative writing from Mankato State University in Minnesota, and a bachelor's degree in Spanish/business from Washington University in St. Louis.

"I am both honored and energized by my appointment as Brookhaven College's next president. I was immediately drawn to the position having witnessed, directly and indirectly, the outstanding people and programs at the college," said Chesney. "Brookhaven's success-oriented mission and values, encouragement of lifelong learning, and an emphasis on service to the community and world align neatly with my personal experience, education and my desire to serve alongside colleagues and students who possess high expectations and the ambition to achieve them."

In addition to his other duties, Chesney currently serves as chair of the McKinney Arts Commission.