Her Story
About Angela
Angela M. Thomas, Ed.D is a dedicated higher education and healthcare professional serving as the Dean of Health Sciences at Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson, North Carolina. With a background in radiography, she not only leads the School of Health Sciences but also functions as Program Head of Radiography, teaching and mentoring students in the program. In addition to her academic responsibilities, Angela maintains her clinical practice as an Imaging Specialist at UNC Health in Chapel Hill, bringing hands-on healthcare experience to her leadership and teaching.
Angela’s career spans over 20 years in academic administration and 30 years in healthcare. She is passionate about programmatic accreditation and serves as a site visitor for JRCERT, ensuring programs meet the highest standards in radiologic education. She has successfully led multiple health programs, including Radiography, Medical Assisting, Human Services, Pharmacy, and Histotechnology, and has a track record of high retention and board pass rates. Beyond program leadership, she engages in professional development, customized training, and research, with multiple publications to her credit.
Outside of her formal roles, Angela is a certified life coach, avid traveler, and licensed travel agent, blending her professional expertise with personal passions. She thrives on presenting and sharing knowledge, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine love for learning and teaching. Whether mentoring students, training professionals, or exploring new adventures, Angela combines curiosity, leadership, and creativity to empower others and drive excellence in both education and healthcare.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Angela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of motivation, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I approach every challenge with perseverance, refusing to give up in the face of obstacles, and I consistently strive to exceed expectations in both my professional and personal endeavors. This mindset has guided my growth, enabled me to achieve meaningful results, and continues to inspire me to lead, learn, and innovate at the highest level.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that it’s okay to start over and pursue something new. I’ve learned to follow my passions, stay committed to my goals, and approach every opportunity with persistence. Equally important is treating others with kindness and respect, as the relationships we build along the way are just as vital to success as the milestones we achieve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering my industry, I would advise embracing collaboration and being a strong team player, while continuously building and nurturing your professional network. Learn from the experiences of others, approach your work strategically, and take pride in everything you do. Strive to make a meaningful impact every day, knowing that dedication, professionalism, and thoughtful contributions create lasting success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and simultaneously one of the greatest opportunities—in my field is effectively leading the academic, programmatic, and fiscal responsibilities of Health Sciences departments within higher education. Balancing rigorous accreditation standards, evolving healthcare practices, and student success initiatives requires strategic vision and adaptability. At the same time, this environment offers the opportunity to innovate, develop future healthcare leaders, and implement programs that have a meaningful, lasting impact on both students and the communities they will serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are a commitment to continuing education, a dedication to mentoring and supporting others, and an openness to new ideas and perspectives. I also prioritize helping those in need, striving to make a positive difference whenever and wherever I can, while fostering growth, learning, and collaboration in every aspect of my life.
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