Willie Thomas has accepted a position at Cleveland State Community College as the new assistant to the president for Equity and Inclusion.
“This is a brand new position at Cleveland State,” stated Dr. Bill Seymour, Cleveland State Community College president. “The purpose is to provide leadership as we develop a more inclusive campus environment and strive to provide every student the best opportunity for success. Willie brings a great deal of talent and enthusiasm to the position along with a deep understanding of community colleges having served professionally within the TBR system for several years.”
Mr.
Thomas stated, “This is an amazing campus. I’m excited to work directly with Dr. Seymour and about being a pioneer of something new… I’m not here to change opinions; I’m not here to change the world, but I believe that we can have practices that transform lives, and transforming lives can happen regardless of what background an individual comes from, regardless of what socio-economic status or ethnicity they are. We want them to know that when they come to Cleveland State, they realize they are in a learning environment that actually prepares them to be global citizens and world changers.”
Mr. Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Morehouse College and his master’s in conflict resolution management from Kennesaw State University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in education from East Tennessee State University.
Before joining Cleveland State, Mr. Thomas served in a number of roles at Chattanooga State Community College, with the most recent being the director of student conduct. Prior to this role, he was assistant director of financial aid.
When he is not working, Mr. Thomas enjoys reading, watching college football, playing the piano and doing music production. He also volunteers with the Chattanooga Police Department and his church, World Restoration Center in Chattanooga.