Dr. Thomas J. Hynes
Spotlight Award
Dr. Thomas Hynes, Jr., UWG’s vice president of academic affairs and professor of mass communications, has worked hard to ensure the university’s continued success. He has twice served as acting president of UWG while Dr. Beheruz Sethna was filling an interim position within the University System of Georgia. Quite a feat, as the president oversees a general fund budget of approximately $110 million.
During this time, Hynes chose to advance several initiatives aimed at continuous university improvement. He worked with both alumni and key legislators to allay concerns for the completion of a $5 million restoration project of historic campus building, while also adding critical space for new business ventures and continuing education. He also oversaw the initiation of the Alumni Call Center, to significantly expand university fundraising.
He undertook the development of a three-year enrollment management program, aimed at improvements in retention and a planned reduction in the size of first year classes. The program saw a 10 percent improvement in first year retention. He also obtained approval for masters program in computer science and oversaw the admission of the first cohort of doctoral students in newly approved Ed.D program in school improvement.
While serving as vice president for academic affairs, Hynes is the chief academic officer of the university. As such, he oversees residential instruction expenditures of approximately $50 million. His office serves to lead all academic programs at the university. During his time in academia, Hynes has authored or co-authored countless textbooks and articles on a wide range of subjects.
He is also quite active in the Carroll County community, having served as a member of the steering committee for Carroll Tomorrow. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors for the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.