Thomas Nolen
Interim Dean, School of Science & Engineering
Interim Dean of the School of Science & Engineering
Thomas Nolen was appointed Interim Dean of the School of Science & Engineering in 2023, after serving as associate dean since 2012. He has served as a faculty member in the Department of Biology since 1998, including a period as chair from 2010-2012.
As interim dean, Nolen is responsible for managing and directing undergraduate and graduate programs in the School of Science & Engineering. He creates and implements strategic initiatives, maintains administrative oversight and promotes the science and engineering program offerings ensuring that they consistently maintain high standards of scholarly rigor and excellence in research.
Nolen brings extensive experience as a scholar, teacher, academic administrator and research mentor to this role. He has been the University’s primary pre-health career advisor throughout his tenure, directing dual degree medical programs that have prepared more than 100 New Paltz students for medical school. He was a founding co-director of the Mid-Hudson Cohort of the New York State Master Teacher program from 2012-2014, and currently serves as vice president of the Board of Directors of the Catskill-Hudson Area Health Education Center.
Nolen is author or co-author of numerous peer-reviewed publications and juried book chapters, has served as a peer reviewer for multiple national and international publications, and has mentored New Paltz undergraduate students on many original research presentations. He holds a Ph.D. in Neurobiology & Behavior from Cornell University.
