Thomas comes to FSU from Florida Gulf Coast University, bringing with her significant experience in advancement operations, which encompass fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing. The move to Frostburg marks a return to Maryland and the University System of Maryland, as she spent more than eight years at Salisbury University as vice president for advancement and executive director of Salisbury’s foundation. There she led Salisbury’s most recent campaign, where they exceeded their $25 million goal by $15 million.

“I am thrilled to be bringing an advancement professional of Dr. Thomas’ caliber and experience to Frostburg State University,” said FSU President Jonathan Gibralter. “She is highly respected within the state of Maryland, the USM System and the USM Foundation Board, and her knowledge there will allow her to step in and provide leadership immediately as we consider our next major campaign. We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Thomas join our team.”

“I am so honored to be joining Frostburg State and the leadership team of President Gibralter,” Thomas said. “I have always been impressed by the school spirit, commitment to quality education and service to community that is FSU. Frostburg is truly committed to making the world around it a better place. The students embrace that, faculty and staff encourage it and alumni perpetuate that notion. To be part of such a university will be a privilege.”

Thomas will be filling the position previously held by Bernard J. Davisson, II. He is now associate vice president for principal gifts and planned giving at George Washington University.

“What an honor it will be to inherit this responsibility from B.J. Davisson, whom I greatly respect and admire,” Thomas said. “I look forward to working with Mr. (Quincy) Crawford and Mr. (Al) Martin and all the volunteers of the FSU Foundation and Alumni Association boards, and to building on Frostburg’s noteworthy traditions of involvement, generosity and engagement.”

Thomas earned a Doctor of Education degree from West Virginia University, a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Clemson University. She also did post-doctoral work at Harvard. She is a native of Fairmont, W.Va.