Sunday, August 21, 2016

DeAnna Thomas Awarded Holmquist Scholarship

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!