In early 2024, Jerry Thomas assumed a new role as president of SAU Tech. This Tuesday, he hosted a reception at the SAU Tech Student Center.
https://www.camdenarknews.com/news/2023/dec/20/southern-arkansas-university-tech-welcomes-jerry/
https://www.camdenarknews.com/news/2024/mar/07/new-chancellor-shares-vision-for-sau-tech/
“I started this position on January 10th and really started working with the team here…administrators, staff…and (I) tried to build relationships and foster collaboration,” Thomas said. That’s where I am,” he said. With everyone. “
“Having been here since January 10th, what has impressed me the most is the faculty and staff at SAI Tech. They are amazing, phenomenal. They are experts in their field. , are experts in their field.'' The students also want to see them all succeed. ”
Thomas highlighted the university's partnerships with the Highland Industrial Park and area leasing companies, and said partnerships with area public schools are also important.
“We want to work closely with Ouachita County legislators, the mayor, and the power authority to ensure we have a state-of-the-art facility here and truly train tomorrow's workers in a facility that is truly in the best condition,” Thomas said. I'm thinking about it,” he said. I plan to prepare them for career employment when they leave his SAU Tech. We are also committed to his K through his 12 partners. We really want to build these relationships. It is very important to ensure that our program is an academic program. Here at the university, we are really in tune with the job market. ”
“Prior to his role at SAU Tech, Thomas served as vice president for academic affairs at National Park University in Hot Springs. Thomas has been with NPC since 2016 in student affairs and admissions,” according to a press release from the university. He served as vice president for administration.'' Under his leadership, NPC transitioned to a residential campus, increased enrollment, and introduced an athletic program. ”
“Thomas also served as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, New Jersey. During this time, he led the university's learner support center, the One Stop Enrollment Services Center, as an exemplary student He led us to national recognition for our services.” ”
“Mr. Thomas began his career in higher education at Southern Arkansas University, where he served in various student affairs positions and as an adjunct professor of history from 1993 to 2013.”
“During his time at SAU, specific positions that Mr. Thomas noted included serving as a peer counselor, peer tutor coordinator, and later director of the TRIO Upward Bound program. The program provides basic support to participants in preparing for college. “The program targets primarily first-generation college goers or students from low-income families. We often emphasize that our participation has contributed significantly to our current success.”
“Along with his passion for student success initiatives and educational leadership experiences, Thomas has also been active in civic and community involvement activities. He is a member of the Hot Springs Metro Partnership Board, the YMCA , he is a trustee of Roanoke Baptist Church in Hot Springs, past president of the Hot Springs, Arkadelphia and Malvern Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Psi fraternity, and a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.”
