CBSHS Alumni Spotlight: Political science and communication alumna makes history as first female president of Chowan University

Meet Rosemary Thomas, Ed.D., a 1990 graduate of the Departments of Political Science and Communication and the first female president of Chowan University.

In the fall of 1986, Rosemary Thomas ’90 began her Clemson journey with straightforward expectations – make connections, explore new interests and earn a degree in political science and communication. Little did she know, the next four years would spark a desire to pursue a career in higher education and foster a profound sense of belonging that would positively influence the rest of her life.  

As a first-year student, Thomas embraced life at Clemson by engaging in new experiences, focusing on her studies, joining service organizations and attending home football games with friends. It was a time of exploration and growth that piqued new interests and opened doors for opportunities that would define her undergraduate student experience.

During her sophomore year, she was elected to Clemson Undergraduate Student Government and awarded an opportunity to participate in the Presidential Interns Program under the leadership of President Max Lennon. This opportunity allowed her to join presidential events, shadow members of the University’s leadership team and gain behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to run a successful university.  

“My experience as a presidential intern is one of the defining moments of my life,” said Thomas. “The Clemson Family embraced me in a way I had never expected, and I had the opportunity to learn from some of the most wonderful, authentic and knowledgeable people I had ever known. The mentorship I received during those years shaped me into the person and leader I am today.”

Through the internship program and mentorship from Vice President of Advancement Gary Ransdell, Thomas learned the valuable role of Advancement in a university’s ecosystem – a lesson that influenced her future academic and professional pursuits. In fact, the experience inspired her doctoral dissertation on how the emotional intelligence of a chief development officer dictates organizational climate in university settings.

Now, years later, Thomas reflects on her Clemson Experience with gratitude for the executive leadership, faculty and staff who devoted their time and talent to the next generation. Many of the people she met at Clemson became lifelong friends and mentors, and she treasures those relationships to this day.

“While my professors taught me the importance of a comprehensive education – helping me grow in knowledge and character – Dr. Lennon and his executive cabinet taught me what it meant to be a servant leader,” said Thomas. “I learned the importance of adaptability, transparency and accountability by watching them lead a successful, productive University together. It was inspiring, and I strive to emulate their work ethic and humility as I serve as president at Chowan University.”

Chowan University is a private, liberal arts university with a foundation of Christian education, and a new focus that includes life skills within the curriculum. Thomas’ appointment as the university’s first female president marks a historical moment in its 175-year history.

In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in political science and communication from Clemson, she holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina and a Doctor of Educational Leadership from West Virginia University. She also completed post-doctoral work at Harvard University.

The Departments of Political Science and Communication are in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS). Established in July 2016, CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.