Dr. Steve Thomas, Midland College president since 2008, to retire in August

Midland College (MC) President Dr. Steve Thomas will retire in August after 47 years serving community colleges, including 15 years as MC’s president, he announced Monday, Jan. 9.

The MC Board of Trustees is conducting a nationwide search for a new president, according to MC.

Since becoming MC’s fourth president on Aug. 15, 2008, Dr. Thomas is credited with leading the college in establishing Early College High School, the MC/MCISD College & Careers Academics, pre-kindergarten academy, two new bachelor-level degrees, the Texas A&M-Concho Engineering Academy, the Primary Care Pathway Program and a new enrollment management system that helps guide students in making informed choices about their college careers.

He also oversaw renovations and upgrades to the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center and the new June and Frank Cowden, Jr. Dining Hall. And prior to his retirement, the renovation of the Jack E. Brown Dining Hall into the Jack E. Brown Conference Hall will be completed, along with the new Pre-K Academy and Center for Teaching Excellence, according to MC.

 “Our daughter Lindsay was born here, and my wife Vicki and I will always cherish our time in Midland.”

Dr. Thomas began his community college career at MC in 1976 when he taught psychology courses as an adjunct instructor. The following year, he was hired to teach full time, which he continued for a decade until he was hired as dean at Lexington Community College in Lexington, KY and then as chief instructional officer at Victoria College in Victoria, TX.  Before returning to Midland as president, he served as president of Vernon College in Vernon and Wichita Falls, TX from 2000-2008.

Dr. Thomas said he was lucky to find such an enjoyable and rewarding career path, particularly one that landed him and his family in the Permian Basin. He also called it a pleasure and privilege to work with the MC BOard of Trustees, faculty, administrators and staff.

“Our daughter Lindsay was born here, and my wife Vicki and I will always cherish our time in Midland,” Dr. Thomas said. “I want to thank both the Midland community and the community of Fort Stockton, where our branch campus is located.  I know of no other community college that enjoys such phenomenal support.”

Steve Kiser, chair of the MC Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to Dr. Thomas’ “many years of devoted and excellent leadership.”

“While we will miss him, we wish Steve and Vicki good luck, prosperity and happiness always,” Kiser said. “The Board of Trustees has formed a search committee to begin the task of finding the next President of Midland College, and the committee is in the process of retaining a professional search firm to assist.”