Melissa Thomasson has been named interim vice president of Miami University Regionals and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science.

After serving as associate vice president for strategic initiatives for the past year, longtime Farmer School of Business professor and economist Melissa Thomasson has been named interim vice president of Miami University Regionals and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science (CLAAS).

Thomasson will work closely with Moira Casey, current interim dean of the Regionals’ CLAAS, to finalize plans to implement a polytechnic education model across CLAAS. Casey will step down as interim dean on June 30 to return to teaching at Miami Regionals.

As vice president, Thomasson will lead the initiative to increase enrollment at Miami Regionals by expanding its polytechnic offerings, including engineering technology and construction management.

“Melissa has a track record for positive outcomes that have a strong impact,” Miami University President Gregory Crawford said. “She has been instrumental in advancing MiamiTHRIVE and positioning these initiatives for long-term success. As we continue to implement strategic plan initiatives across our campuses, I'm confident that, as vice president and dean of Regionals, Melissa will continue building on the foundation being established for Regionals’ continued growth and endurance.”

Thomasson will build on the momentum set into motion by Casey, who has established a strong, positive relationship with local communities, strengthened Regionals’ fundraising efforts, and guided key facility projects. Under Casey’s leadership, Miami Regionals opened the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub (AM Hub), a $31 million collaboration between Miami, Butler Tech, OhioMeansJobs Butler County, the city of Hamilton, and Butler County. Casey also helped secure $23 million in capital appropriations for the Hamilton campus.

"Thank you to Moira Casey for her efforts and leadership of our Regional campuses during this transformative period," President Crawford said.

Casey helped establish the Warren County Career Center/Miami University 1+3 Early Nursing Pathway, developed a framework for a polytechnic core of classes, directed the formation of a comprehensive master facilities plan for the Hamilton campus, and revitalized Regionals’ Center for Teaching and Learning and Career Services and Professional Development in preparation for the shift to the polytechnic education model.

Miami’s polytechnic initiative will enable more pathways for students and a faster timeline toward a degree or credential. Built around the workforce, the polytechnic education model gives students the applied, hands-on skills employers need: learning by doing rather than learning about doing. Currently focused on engineering technology and information technology, the polytechnic model is designed to expand alongside the industries that need it most. Miami Regionals will continue to offer a broad range of classes for students, including those whose interests may not be in a technical field.

“I am appreciative of the incredible work that Moira and her team have accomplished over the past year, and am excited for the opportunity to continue to build on their momentum,” Thomasson said. “It is a privilege to be able to help shape the future of Miami Regionals and undertake the path and vision set forth by MiamiTHRIVE.”

Over the past year, Thomasson has overseen all of the MiamiTHRIVE initiatives, establishing metrics, scorecards, and KPIs as she has worked closely with Ande Durojaiye, vice president for strategy and partnerships, and the Office of Strategic Transformation to build an infrastructure to mobilize and implement MiamiTHRIVE initiatives.

As Thomasson steps into her new role with Miami Regionals, Brent Shock, special assistant to the president, will assume those responsibilities in the Office of Strategic Transformation. Shock led the work of MiamiTHRIVE during the initial phases of the plan.

Thomasson has more than a decade of leadership experience at Miami University. Prior to serving as associate vice president, Thomasson was associate dean for faculty excellence within the Farmer School of Business and a professor of Economics. Previously, Thomasson served as department chair of Economics from 2019-2021 and as graduate director in Economics from 2011-2019. She joined Miami as an assistant professor in 1998 after completing her M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Arizona.

A research associate with the National Bureau of Economic Research since 2005, Thomasson testified before Congress and has been cited in the New England Journal of Medicine and Yale Law Journal.

The Financial Times, NBC, and the popular “All Things Considered” program on NPR have all also featured Thomasson’s work. While at Miami, Thomasson earned the Richard K. Smucker Outstanding Professor Award, the Farmer School of Business Junior Research Excellence Award, and the Best Paper Award from the journal Explorations in Economic History among other honors.