Dean and Professor
Grambling State University
For more than 30 years, Dean Thomas has served in higher education and held positions in multiple colleges and universities as a tenured faculty member, academic dean, associate provost, associate vice chancellor, provost, vice chancellor, and vice president for academic affairs. In each of these roles, she has worked collaboratively to provide opportunities for transformative student success by advancing equity, excellence, diversity, and inclusion. Her long-standing commitment to these ideals has been demonstrated across her teaching, research, and service as she is a steadfast catalyst for change who is unwavering in her efforts to ensure access for all.
Thomas embarked upon her journey as a first generation college student sojourner, from a small rural southern town as the sixth of seven children. Although her parents were not afforded the privilege of completing secondary education, they instilled a strong belief in each of their children that they could attend college. Thomas is extremely grateful to them because of their legacy of perseverence and resilience as they were determined to either find a way or create one. Ultimately, higher education effectively transformed the trajectory of her life and throughout her career, she has dedicated her work to paying it forward by serving others in their quest to transform their lives through higher education as well. For Thomas that journey is made possible because equity and excellence are not competing paradigms, but rather a mutually imperative vision.
Saturday, February 17, 2024
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM MST