Background

As the Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing, I have the opportunity to work with our Marketing, Admissions, and Student Financial Services teams to assist students through the enrollment process. I believe that NU offers a distinct experience with the opportunity to encounter Jesus, learn from incredible faculty, and gain practical experience, all while living in the beautiful PNW.

During my time as an undergraduate student at NU, I grew in my faith, made life-long friends, and met my future wife, Arlene. After graduating, I returned to NU a few years later as an Enrollment Counselor. Since that time, I have served in varying roles, including leading teams in enrollment as well as online, extension, and evening programs, prior to working in the Office of the Provost. I have also taught a variety of leadership, higher education, and research courses at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. 

With my free time, I love to hang out with my family, hike, stand up paddle board, and cheer for the Mariners and Seahawks.

Selected Presentations and Papers

Daniels, J.R., Thomas, B.L., & Libengood, D.S. (2021). The lived experiences of high achieving historically underrepresented students at four CCCU institutions. Christian Higher Education, forthcoming.

Thomas, B., & Daniels, J.R. (2020). Leading a diversity initiative in higher education. International Leadership Association Annual Global Conference, Virtual.

Daniels, J.R., Gustafson, J., Petridis, H., & Thomas, B. (2020). Liminal leadership and structure models. International Leadership Association Annual Global Conference, Virtual.

Daniels, J.R., Thomas, B.L., Miller, C.R., Libengood, D.S., & Phagan, B. (2020). Act Six: The institutional perspective. Journal of Research on Christian Education, 29(1), 61-81. DOI: 10.1080/10656219.2020.1731030

Thomas, B. (2019).  The courage to lead adaptively at higher education institutions. International Leadership Association Annual Global Conference, Ottawa, Ontario.

Daniels, J., Thomas, B., Libengood, D., & Miller, C. (2019). Act Six: The institutional perspective. Journal of Research on Christian Education, forthcoming.

Thomas, B., & Libengood, D.  (2018). Institutional decisions and implications in initiating and sustaining an Act Six partnership. Association for the Study of Higher Education Conference, Tampa, Florida.

Thomas, B., & Cawthon, R. (2018). How to write (or revise) effective student learning outcomes. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Conference, Kansas City, Missouri.

Thomas, B., & DeLaRosby, H. (2018). The power of failure: How learning from mistakes can lead to innovation. National Association for Student Personnel Administrators Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Daniels, J., Thomas, B., & Libengood, D. (2018). Act Six: An institutional strategy for diversity. Council for Christian Colleges and Universities International Forum, Dallas, Texas. 

Thomas, B., & Espinoza-Parra, O. (2017). Cultivating environments for innovation in higher education. National Association for Student Personnel Administrators Conference, San Antonio, Texas.

Espinoza-Parra, O., & Thomas, B. (2017). Successful pathways and strategies for improving the educational pipeline for students of color at the graduate and professional school levels. National Association for Student Personnel Administrators Conference, San Antonio, Texas.

Hulme, E., Thomas, B., & DeLaRosby, H. (2014). Developing creativity ecosystems: Preparing college students for tomorrow’s innovation challenge. About Campus, 19(1), 14-23.

Hulme, E., Thomas, B., Heltzel, J., & Stamp, P. (2014). The change challenge. National Association for Student Personnel Administrators Conference, Baltimore, MD.