Thomas Nowak earned his Ph.D. in English Language & Literature from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, specializing in Renaissance and 17th-Century Literature, Medieval Literature, Composition, and Rhetorical Theory. His doctoral research focused on early modern religious and political discourse, culminating in his dissertation, “The English Gunpowder Plot Sermons, 1605–1651.”
Dr. Nowak recently concluded 18 years of service as Dominican University New York’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, leadership roles he held from 2007 to 2025. With 30+ years at the University, he has served in multiple capacities and remains a valued member of the English faculty (Associate Professor rank). Thom previously served as Department Chair from August 1995 through December 2005.
In 2006, Dr. Nowak was appointed Director of the Arts & Sciences Division. In the fall of 2007, he stepped in as Interim Academic Dean for a semester and was subsequently appointed to the role on a permanent basis in the spring of 2008.
Beyond his senior administrative leadership, Dr. Nowak directed the University’s Honors Program from 1994 to 2001, completed three separate year-long terms as Director of the University’s Writing Center, and chaired multiple faculty committees, including Academic Standards, Faculty Affairs, and Rank & Tenure.
He has played a key role in institutional accreditation efforts, serving as a writer for two Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation reports and co-chairing three others. As Academic Dean, he oversaw self-study reports and site visits for seven professional program reaccreditations, primarily in health-related fields.
Before joining Dominican University, Dr. Nowak held a full Teaching Fellowship at SUNY Stony Brook for four years, taught composition under the mentorship of Peter Elbow, and tutored in the University’s Writing Center. He also taught as an adjunct at Hofstra University and SUNY College at Old Westbury. He earned his B.A. in Rhetoric and Literature with a Minor Certificate in Medieval Studies from SUNY Binghamton.
Dr. Nowak resides in Orange County, New York, with his wife and children, Ruth and Max, along with their many pets, including three cats, a dog, two fish tanks, and a snake.