Barrett (Barry) W. Thomas has been named the next associate provost for faculty and strategic operations in the University of Iowa Office of the Provost. Thomas, the senior associate dean and Gary C. Fethke Research Professor in Business Analytics in the Tippie College of Business, will begin a part-time appointment in January 2025, transitioning to full-time on July 1, 2025.

Thomas succeeds Lois J. Geist, who plans to retire in July after serving for more than five years as associate provost for faculty. Geist, a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine in the Carver College of Medicine, also is serving as interim vice president for research. 

As senior associate dean in the Tippie College of Business since 2020, Thomas has overseen all aspects related to the college’s faculty and worked closely with the college’s budgets, space, and strategic planning. Previously, he served as the departmental executive officer for the Department of Business Analytics. Thomas has made significant contributions to several university-wide initiatives, including committees and workgroups focused on faculty retention and teaching effectiveness. He also co-chairs the university’s AI Steering Committee and serves on the university’s Academic AI Committee.

In addition to his leadership roles, Thomas is a widely respected researcher in vehicle routing and logistics. He has been an editor for several journals in the field and was president of his professional society.

“Barry has done a remarkable job leading faculty in the Tippie College of Business over the past few years, and I am excited to welcome him into this new role,” says Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin Kregel. “He has the vision and experience to help us continue supporting faculty excellence and success across campus.”

“I look forward to the opportunity to work with my colleagues across campus to support and celebrate the incredible work of our faculty,” says Thomas. “By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can continue to strengthen the university’s impact and ensure our faculty have the resources and opportunities to thrive.”

Thomas earned a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Grinnell College and an MS and PhD in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. He joined Iowa as an assistant professor in 2002.