Linda Thompson Adams, Dr.P.H., R.N., F.A.A.N.
Linda Thompson Adams
, Dr.P.H., R.N., F.A.A.N.
Dr. Linda Thompson Adams is the Associate Vice Chancellor for University Outreach Professional Development and Distance Education at North Carolina A&T State University (NCA&T). She also served as former Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer. Adams serves as a key member of the Chancellor’s cabinet. She provides leadership and direction for all academic programs and works closely with internal and external constituents to promote the quality achievement of strategic outcomes. She serves as chair of the University Strategic Planning and Resource Council.
She has oversight of deans of all academic schools and colleges, including the Colleges of Engineering and Arts and Sciences, the Schools of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Business and Economics, Technology, Nursing, Education, School of Graduate Studies and the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. Adams is also responsible for reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes in academic policies and programs. Additionally, Adams provides leadership for the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development; Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and CIO; Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; the Office of Planning, Assessment and Research; EPA Budget and Salary Administration; the enrollment management functions including the offices of the Registrar, Student Financial Aid, and Admissions; the Center for Academic Excellence; the Waste Management Institute; the Bluford Library; all Distance Learning Programs; the Honors Program; the Office of International Programs; the Office of Summer Sessions and Outreach; ROTC; Continuing Education; and the Band Program.
Adams has over 20 years of leadership in university administration, teaching, nursing, and received mayoral and governor appointments to significant positions of public service. Under her leadership as an administrator, Adams has consistently realized vigorous program growth in overall enrollment, and among diverse student populations. She has garnered over $30 million in external funding to support academic programs and, as Dean of Nursing at Oakland University (Michigan), led the Nurse Anesthesia program to become one of the top 10 in the country. In partnership with Northern Michigan University, Adams played a vital role in designing and implementing Michigan’s first doctorate degree program in Nursing Practice. She introduced Study Abroad nursing programs for Italy, Ireland, Korea, Hong Kong, St. Kitts and Jamaica.
Adams recently received the Trailblazer Award in October from the National Black Nurses Association. The award recognizes nurses who are in positions of leadership and who have taken risks throughout their careers. Adams has extensive research accomplishments involving millions of dollars in the development, oversight, and consultation associated with national grants and other sponsored research. She has served on editorial review boards, grant review committees, community and public service ventures, and has produced numerous publications including books, book chapters, monographs, peer reviewed articles, editorials, articles, peer reviewed abstracts, and creative works. She is a recognized national and international speaker, facilitator and presenter.
A graduate of Wayne State University's College of Nursing in Detroit, Adams received an undergraduate degree in nursing and a master's in Nursing of Women. She received a M.P.H. and a Dr.PH with a focus in Child and Adolescent Health and Development from Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.