Elizabeth City, N.C. — With nearly two decades of leadership in education and public service, Damian D. Thomas, Ph.D., officially joins Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) as associate vice chancellor and deputy student affairs officer. He brings with him a student-centered vision to transform Viking life.
“It is with great honor and genuine humility that I join the Viking family at Elizabeth City State University,” said Thomas. “This opportunity represents more than a career transition—it is a powerful alignment of purpose, calling and impact.”
Thomas steps into the role with a career that spans secondary education, higher education and government service. Before ECSU, Thomas served as executive director of TRIO Programs at Hinds Community College’s Utica Campus, where he managed 10 federally funded programs supporting first-generation and low-income students.
At Jackson State University, he led student development and retention efforts as director of the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership. His earlier career included key roles at the Mississippi Department of Education and the University of Southern Mississippi, where he spearheaded initiatives for underrepresented student populations.
Thomas began his career in public service in the Mississippi State Senate, eventually serving as legislative assistant and docket clerk. He also taught in alternative schools and juvenile detention centers and opened academic doors for at-risk youth.
According to Thomas, ECSU’s history further ignites his purpose.
“ECSU’s legacy of excellence, its unwavering dedication to student transformation, and its dynamic future in North Carolina’s higher education ecosystem have deeply inspired me,” said Thomas. “I am excited to bring my background in academic success, federal programming, community leadership and student empowerment to a place where innovation meets tradition.”
Thomas holds a doctorate in educational administration and supervision with a concentration in higher education from Jackson State University, along with degrees in English and political science. His research focuses on faculty perceptions of online instruction, reflecting his drive for accessible, equitable learning environments.
With his appointment, ECSU continues to invest in the student experience and its mission to educate and inspire.
“I look forward to amplifying student voices, expanding access without labels and cultivating a culture where every student is seen, supported and celebrated,” Thomas said.
Thomas hopes to keep ECSU on the rise. With a resume that reads like a playbook for success, he comments on feeling equipped and excited for the journey ahead.
“I am energized, prepared and profoundly grateful. Let’s soar together—Viking Pride!”