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Donna Thomas is in her 18th year with the Lady Volunteers, having been promoted in January 2003 to senior associate athletics director. She is responsible for numerous aspects of the department, including NCAA, SEC and university rules and regulations; non-academic student-athlete services (housing, meals, financial aid, scholarships, etc.); event management; department policies and procedures; and day-to-day office operations. Other responsibilities include supervising facility construction and renovation, coordinating the Lady Vols' portion of the adidas contract and serving as a member of numerous campus committees as well a recent stint on the NCAA Division I Track and Field Committee. Thomas frequently serves on thesis and project committees for graduate students, serves as a guest lecturer for both undergraduate and graduate classes and is an adjunct professor in two colleges at UT. She has taught a facilities class in the Department of Health, Leisure and Safety and is a frequent speaker for a variety of campus and alumni groups. Thomas first joined the staff as the head manager of the Lady Vol basketball team from 1978 to 1982 while working toward her bachelor's degree in secondary physical education. She then returned to Tennessee in 1990 as a graduate assistant in athletic administration and earned her master's degree in recreation and athletic administration. During her time away from UT, Thomas served as the director of recreation ministries for Christ United Methodist Church in Memphis from 1982 to 1990. At CUMC, she managed the entire athletic and activity program of the 5,000-member church, including program development and planning. |
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