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| DeAnna Thomas, Dean of Student Affairs and Adult Education Programs, Lake Technical College Eustis, FL |
DeAnna Thomas, graduate student in the Master of Arts in Career and Technical Education (MA in CTE) program, was awarded a Holmquist Scholarship for $500 in support of her graduate studies. The Holmquist Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students in the Career and Workforce Education program at the University of South Florida with potential for making a difference in the field. In this regard, DeAnna has an outstanding academic record with an Associate
of Arts degree completed at Valencia College with a GPA of 3.95, and
a Bachelor's degree in Technical Education and Industry Training
completed at the University of Central Florida with a 4.0 GPA.
DeAnna's first experience with
career and technical education was as a dual enrolled high school student when
she completed a cosmetology program. After graduation, she logged
in 13 year of successful experience in industry, where
she worked as a stylist, salon owner, assist with product development, and
served as the International Education Director for a top European hair care
company. In 2006, she began teaching
cosmetology at the very school she had completed her cosmetology program.
She enjoyed teaching her craft to others and was quickly promoted to the
Human Services Department Chairperson. Under her leadership the
cosmetology program increased to a 100% passing rate for the Florida
Cosmetology State Board examination and student placement rate increased to
96%. After teaching for seven years, she
decided to return to college to obtain the academic credentials needed for an
administrative role at Lake Technical College where she currently
serves as the Dean of Enrollment Management.
To improve on her
leadership role, she enrolled in our MA in CTE program to refine her
knowledge and skills and allow her to continue her professional growth. DeAnna
enrolled in the program in 2015 and her GPA to date is 4.0. Her academic achievement and leadership potential was noted by the program faculty and endorsed her nomination for the Holmquist Scholarship unanimously. Congratulations, DeAnna!
