Veteran with a passion to help other veterans

Carole Thomas credits Terra State as the transition to her next chapter.

Thomas, from Fremont, graduated from Terra State in 2007 with an Associated of Applied Business in business management. She joined the U.S. Army after high school and served a total of eight years before moving back to Fremont, where she wanted to raise her children. After some time away, she recently moved back again to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

After Terra State, she received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Tiffin University in 2009 by taking classes on Terra State’s campus on Monday nights. She also received a Master of Science in Organizational and Human Resource Development from Abilene Christian University. Currently, she is in the process of completing her Doctor of Educational Leadership with minors in conflict management and emerging technologies.

During her studies, Thomas works as an online independent contractor, teaching English to children. She previously worked for seven years at Fort Knox in Kentucky as a facilitator for transitioning service members. Working with people and helping them realize their potential is what sparked Thomas’ interest in her career. 

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  DegreeBusiness Management
 

Terra State reminded her just how much she enjoyed learning. It was a cost-effective and local option, right down­­ the street. As a student, Thomas was a single mother of teenage children, working full time while taking classes. During a time where tuition was set to increase, Thomas remembers advocating for herself and other single parents on how the increase affected their already tight budgets.

“As a single mother, I had to make sure my teenage children weren’t left without supervision…I worked during the day so that I was home when they were home,” said Thomas.

After the completion of her doctorate, Thomas’ goal is to alleviate pressure on veterans during the transition back to civilian life, including returning to work after a disability.

Thomas is excited to become more involved within the community, now that she has moved back. She hopes to volunteer at election polls and other agencies, as well as helping others learn to read or improve their reading skills.

“It takes a village and we all have something to contribute,” said Thomas, “If everyone does their part, then no one feels useless or overworked. We must use our talents.”