Her Story
About Rosemary
Rosemary M. Thomas is a seasoned higher education leader whose career spans nearly four decades of dedicated service, beginning in 1988 as a student employee in the president's office at Clemson University — an experience that ignited her lifelong passion for institutional leadership and student success. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Clemson University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University, and has completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard University. Over the course of her career, she has held progressive leadership roles at several distinguished institutions, including Fairmont State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Salisbury University, and Glenville State College, before serving as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Institutional Advancement and later Executive Vice President at Davis and Elkins College. During her tenure there, she spearheaded a campus-wide student retention initiative and played a pivotal role in the successful completion of a $100 million fundraising campaign. Dr. Thomas currently serves as the 24th President of Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina — a historic distinction that marks a new and transformative chapter for the institution. In this role, she leads with a deep commitment to student engagement, board collaboration, community partnerships, and strategic planning anchored in Christian values. Her areas of expertise encompass servant leadership, board governance, enrollment management, fundraising, and team development, all of which she brings to bear in advancing Chowan University's mission as a life skills university and foundation of Christian education. Prior to her presidency, Dr. Thomas also served as Chief Operating Officer of the General Federation of Women's Clubs International Office in Washington, D.C., further demonstrating her versatility and effectiveness across both higher education and nonprofit leadership environments. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Thomas is a nationally recognized speaker and workshop facilitator whose influence extends well into the communities she serves. She is a passionate advocate for civic engagement, volunteerism, and youth development, having contributed meaningfully to organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the American Legion Auxiliary, the United Way and foster youth support initiatives. A proud native of Fairmont, West Virginia, she attributes her success to the power of authentic relationships, unwavering integrity, and a servant's heart — believing firmly that true leadership is built not on individual achievement, but on the collective strength of the people one is privileged to serve alongside.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rosemary
01What do you attribute your success to?
Success is never achieved in isolation. Throughout my career, I have been intentional about surrounding myself with mentors, colleagues, friends, and family who have challenged and inspired me. I consider myself a collector of people — someone who invests deeply in relationships and draws strength from those connections. At the core of everything I do is a commitment to servant leadership and a genuine desire to serve the communities I am privileged to be part of. These values have been the foundation of my journey. I feel strongly that we must take advantage of every opportunity but take nothing for granted. Make the most of what is put in front of you and focus forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most impactful advice I have ever received is simple but profound: always do the right thing, even when you think no one is watching — because someone always is. Integrity must be consistent and unwavering, not situational. Equally important is the value of building a network of people you respect and admire. These principles have guided how I lead, how I build relationships, and how I navigate challenges throughout my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering higher education is rooted in the same principles that have guided my own path. Lead with integrity — always do the right thing, even when no one appears to be watching. Practice patience with those around you, and equally important, extend grace to yourself as you grow and learn. Invest in meaningful relationships early and nurture them throughout your career. The connections you build will not only shape your professional journey but will sustain you through the most demanding seasons of leadership.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most pressing challenges in higher education today is ensuring long-term institutional sustainability while continuing to meet the evolving needs of our students. We must balance financial realities with a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and comprehensive student support. At the same time, we are serving a generation of students who face unprecedented personal and economic challenges — and that demands forward-thinking, a strong work ethic, and compassionate leadership. I see within these challenges a genuine opportunity to reimagine how we serve students and strengthen the communities our institutions call home.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith, family, and the future serve as the guiding pillars of both my professional and personal life. Leading a Christian university gives me the unique privilege and responsibility of integrating faith with intellectual growth — something I do not take lightly. I am deeply committed to empowering young people as well as those around me to be the best they can be through mentorship, civic engagement, and leadership development. These are not just professional priorities for me; they are a reflection of who I am and what I believe higher education, at its best, is called to be.
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