Dr. John Thornell, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, has an academic and administrative career that spans more than 30 years. Before coming to Wesleyan in July 2007, he served Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and also for seven months as Interim President. He was a professor in the College of Education for 18 years and in 1993 was named a professor in the History Department. He taught U.S. History, Civil War, China/Japan, regional history, and also a Freshman Experience course.

Dr. Thornell’s other administrative service to Delta State included responsibilities as Dean of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, and Director of Institutional Research.

Throughout his administrative career, Dr. Thornell has continued his scholarly work, frequently publishing and presenting research. The subjects of his scholarship are varied and recently have focused on East Asia, particularly the Chinese legacy in the Mississippi Delta.

Dr. Thornell is experienced in the area of academic accreditation as an indicator of academic quality and is an active leader and evaluator with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. As an academic leader, he has focused on faculty development, enhanced instruction, and the application of scholarship to teaching and learning.

Dr. Thornell can be reached at 252-985-5136 and jthornell@ncwc.edu.