Dr. Willie Thomas serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, TN. In this role, he is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the student experience through all aspects of non-classroom activities on campus, including enrollment management, financial aid, student development and activities, athletics and marketing. A seasoned higher education professional, Dr. Thomas leverages his 20 years of experience to creating opportunities that promote an inclusive and welcoming environment whereby all individuals can reach their goals.Prior to being promoted to his current position, Dr. Thomas served as Chief of Staff to the President of Cleveland State. In this capacity, he served as the principal assistant to the President and led complex projects and initiatives, and resolved sensitive and high profile issues for internal and external stakeholders. He came to this role having served the President and College as Assistant to the President, where he advised on institutional matters relating to diversity, educational equity, inclusion, belonging and strategic planning.Dr. Thomas began his career in higher education at Chattanooga State Community College, where he proudly earned his associate degree. He served in various capacities in financial aid and enrollment services, ultimately becoming interim director, and then became director of the Office of Student Conduct and Judicial affairs, where he served for four years before moving to Cleveland State.Dr. Thomas earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from East Tennessee State University, a master of science degree in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a bachelor of science degree in music from Morehouse College and an associate of science degree from Chattanooga State Community College. He is a member of 100 Black Men of Bradley County and the recipient of numerous awards and honors including being named a Maxine Smith Fellow, induction into the East Tennessee State University Honor’s Society, Chattanooga State SOAR Professional of the Year and finalist for Outstanding Dissertation by the Bellwether College Consortium.