Thoma Foundation announces appointment of Kambra K. Bolch to new Scholarship Program Director role
| September 18, 2024 |
The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation today announced the appointment of Kambra K. Bolch as the Foundation’s Scholarship Program Director. The new Thoma Scholars program offers transformative scholarships to exceptional students from the rural greater Texas Panhandle area to ensure they engage in high-impact learning opportunities and graduate on time, without debt.
Despite rural students having higher high school graduation rates than their urban and suburban counterparts, they attend college at lower rates and are less likely to enroll in a higher education program immediately. The Thoma Scholars Program aims to close those gaps and shine a light on rural students’ often-overlooked potential.
“I am deeply honored to lead the Thoma Scholars Program, which recognizes the talent and potential of students from the region where I grew up and have lifelong connections,” said Bolch. “I have worked with talented students from underserved populations for many years, but rural students are rarely recognized among underserved groups. I’m thrilled to be part of the Thomas’ vision to support these students to become leaders in their communities and beyond.”
With nearly three decades in higher education, Bolch has consistently advocated for underrepresented students while creating innovative programs and opportunities for them. “We are very fortunate to have her on our team,” said founder Carl Thoma. “Her extensive, impressive experience in higher education and deep roots in the rural Southwest will allow us to not only effectively support individual students as they earn their degrees but also focus attention on the strengths of rural areas. The money is secondary to the change we intend to make with this program.”
Most recently, Bolch served as Assistant Vice Provost at Texas State University, where she led strategic efforts to enhance academic advising, advance transfer initiatives, and support first-year and transfer populations. Prior to that, she made significant contributions at Texas Tech University, including leading efforts that prompted the creation of its first undergraduate research center, as well as spearheading the creation of two interdisciplinary degree programs, early admission pathways to law and medical schools, and international study programs for high-ability students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Honors Studies from Texas Tech University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas School of Law.
The Foundation is partnering strategically with universities that have a deep understanding of rural students. “We chose Texas Tech University and Oklahoma State University as our first university partners due to their unique understanding of the region, record of supporting rural and first-generation students, and dedicated resources to help Thoma Scholars succeed long after obtaining their degrees,” said Thoma. “Together, we are creating powerful multipliers to ensure that rural students achieve their potential.”
Press Kit
Media Contact: Madison Spencer | Communications Coordinator | 817-301-3412 | madison@thomafoundation.org