As the new director of the Thoma Scholars Program, Kambra K. Bolch brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success. With nearly three decades of higher education administration experience, she has consistently advocated for underrepresented students, created and expanded educational opportunities, and supported programs that ensure equitable student success.
Most recently, Bolch served as Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Advising and Transitions at Texas State University, where she led strategic efforts to enhance academic advising, advance transfer initiatives, and support first-year and transfer students using a data-informed, student-first approach. Under her leadership, Texas State launched its new Transfer Center in 2022, offering student transfer navigation services and guidance for faculty and administrators seeking to establish partnerships that support seamless transfers.
Prior to her arrival at Texas State University, Bolch made significant contributions at Texas Tech University as Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs and Policy. In this role, she led the university’s first Undergraduate Research Task Force, which led to the creation of TTU’s first center for undergraduate research. While Associate Dean in the Honors College, she spearheaded the creation of two interdisciplinary degree programs, early admission pathways to law and medical schools, and international study programs for high-ability students.
Bolch earned her Bachelor of Arts in Honors Studies, summa cum laude, from Texas Tech University, majoring in English with a specialization in Technical Communication. She then pursued her Doctor of Jurisprudence at The University of Texas School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1994.