February 23, 2026 - Stephen F. Austin State University announces the appointment of Dr. Chad Thomas as the institution’s associate vice president and dean of students. Thomas will assume the role April 30.
An East Texas native with ties to The University of Texas System, Thomas has more than 15 years of experience in higher education. Most recently, he served as senior associate vice president for student affairs at UT Dallas in Richardson.
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Thomas to SFA,” said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement. “Throughout the interview process, it was clear that his combination of skills, dedication to student success and unique background make him an excellent fit for our campus and student body. I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Thomas as we continue to advance the SFA experience.”
In his leadership role at UT Dallas, Thomas was responsible for numerous operational areas and special initiatives within the Division of Student Affairs, including campus partnerships, strategic planning, assessment, fundraising, legislative affairs and audit and compliance.
Previously, Thomas was the director of UT Dallas’ Student Media department and provided leadership for a variety of special projects for Student Affairs, including professional development initiatives and awards and recognition programs for staff. He also served for two years as a deputized student conduct officer at the university and later assumed responsibility for the student conduct appeals process.
“SFA is a special place, and the university is in the middle of a transformative period, having recently joined the UT System and experienced record-setting enrollment for undergraduates,” Thomas said. “When I visited campus, I knew right away that university leaders, including Dr. Weaver and Dr. Willis, are sincerely committed to student success. I’m looking forward to supporting our students and am focused on developing strong partnerships with faculty and staff across the institution.”
After receiving his bachelor’s degree from UT Austin in 2002, Thomas earned his master’s degree from Ohio University in 2013 and his doctoral degree in public affairs from UT Dallas in 2019. Before joining UT Dallas, he worked as an editor and reporter at several newspapers in Texas. He also spent three years as a public school teacher.
Thomas is married to SFA alumna Erin Roth Thomas ’05 & ’07, a lyric mezzo-soprano who regularly performs with groups across the country, including the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, the Portland (Oregon) Opera Company and Dallas’ Orpheus Chamber Singers.
In addition to announcing Thomas’ appointment, Willis thanked the SFA dean of students search committee members, including faculty representatives Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts, and Dr. Justin Blount, interim associate dean of the Nelson Rusche College of Business.
