Bio

Prof. Thomas’s courses emphasizes the intentional planning and learning that comes with building a culture of health in local communities. No matter the course, her students will spend time engaging with community partners, gaining insight from residents, diving into local data for direction, and learning about evidence-based approaches to improving health. Through a hybrid position with the J. Marion Sims Foundation, she works alongside her grantmaking colleagues and other organizations that are committed to systematically strengthening the community assets of Lancaster County, Fort Lawn, and Great Falls, SC.

Most of Prof. Thomas’s professional interest lies at the intersection of health equity + active community environments. She is a board member of the Lindsay Pettus Greenway and participates in both the Lancaster County Trails Advisory Committee and the Eat Smart Move More coalition of Lancaster County.

Education

• 2009 - Graduate Certificate in Health Communications, University of South Carolina
• 2007 – Master of Public Health in Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
• 2005 – Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications, University of South Carolina

Courses Taught

• HPEB 300: Introduction to Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
• HPEB 553: Community Health Problems (and Assets)
• HPEB 511: Health Problems in a Changing Society
• HPEB 501: Human Sexuality Education
• UNIV 401: Graduation with Leadership Distinction

Interests

• Active community environments
• Asset-based community development
• Social determinants of health