Women To Watch Awards 2026 honors Dr. Ursula Thomas

Dr. Ursula Thomas is a visionary, equity-centered academic leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence, innovative teaching, and institutional transformation. As Associate Chair of Social Sciences and Professor of Education at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College, she leads with purpose—cultivating student-centered environments and mentoring emerging faculty leaders. Dr. Thomas has overseen academic operations across multi-campus divisions, impacting more than 18,500 students, 58% of whom attend part-time. A proven steward of accreditation and assessment, she coordinates SACSCOC efforts for Cultural and Behavioral Sciences and engages with national organizations such as NAEYC and CAEP. Dedicated to advancing access and success for underserved populations, particularly student parents and first-generation students, Dr. Thomas has led federally funded initiatives like the U.S. Department of Education’s CCAMPIS grant to remove systemic barriers and promote equity. With eight books and over 48 publications, her scholarship bridges theory and practice in culturally relevant pedagogy, servant leadership, and social justice in education. A Donald H. Wulff Diversity Fellow and NISOD Excellence Award recipient, Dr. Thomas exemplifies the collaborative, transformative leadership essential to 21st-century higher education.