Kevin Thomas

Student success is at the heart of any university’s mission, but fostering an environment where all students can thrive requires intentional effort. For Kevin Thomas, Vice President for Enrollment Services and Student Success at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), building strong relationships and connections is the foundation of this work. 

In today’s conversation, Kevin sat down with Jack Eagle, Co-Host of The Interview, to share his insights on promoting student belonging, addressing financial barriers, and the importance of listening to students when shaping campus initiatives.

Kevin’s Journey

Jack: Can we start with a quick introduction to yourself and your institution?

My name is Kevin Thomas, and I serve as the Vice President for Enrollment Services and Student Success at the University of Central Arkansas. This week actually marks my sixth year in this role. UCA is a public institution located in Conway, Arkansas, with about 10,000 students enrolled each semester. We have a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success, bringing students in from across the state and beyond, and equipping them to go out and make an impact.

Jack: How did you get into Student Success? Tell us a bit about your journey.

My path into Student Success wasn’t something I planned from the start – it evolved over time. Early in my career, I worked as a Hall Director in Residence Life, helping students transition to campus and find their footing. At the time, I wouldn’t have called that ‘Student Success,’ but looking back, it absolutely was. 

My work in academic advising and retention deepened that focus, and I started to realize that student success looks different for everyone. For some, success is earning straight As; for others, it’s working hard to maintain a 2.0 GPA and get to graduation. My role is to ensure that every student, regardless of their journey, has the support they need to achieve their own version of success.

Jack: A major focus in the US right now is creating a positive, united campus experience, especially given today’s political climate. How are you working to promote that at UCA?

My approach revolves around two key principles: relationship and connection. When students feel like they belong – when they have someone to turn to, whether it’s an advisor, a mentor, or a friend – they’re far more likely to thrive. At UCA, we prioritize building those relationships through academic advising, peer mentoring, and student support services. We also embed student voices into decision-making, ensuring that every policy or initiative is considered through the lens of how it impacts students. When you focus on connection, many of the barriers to engagement start to break down naturally.

Jack: What are some of your top priority initiatives at the moment?

A major focus for us is our Veterans and Military Resource Center. When I arrived six years ago, it was underdeveloped, but we hired a fantastic leader to revamp it. Now, we offer tailored programming and support for veterans and military-connected students, including partnerships with external organizations like We Are the 22, which provides mental health resources for former service members. We also run a unique program where students present on the lives of UCA alumni who served in the military, helping to foster a sense of history and connection.

Another flagship initiative is the UCA Commitment, a program that provides tuition and fee-free education for Arkansas families earning under $100,000. This initiative has been a game-changer in increasing access to education and reducing financial barriers for students who might not otherwise pursue a degree.

Jack: Student engagement can be a challenge, particularly with in-person events. How do you ensure students show up and participate?

Engagement starts with understanding what students need and meeting them where they are. Take our Veterans Resource Center, for example – one of the most effective ways we’ve built engagement is by simply creating a space where students feel welcome. And, of course, food helps! Our director will often host informal gatherings where students can grab a burger and have a conversation. Those small moments of connection make a huge difference.

Another key program is Summer Start, an early arrival initiative for new students. Some might wonder why students would voluntarily come to campus two weeks early, but we make it an engaging experience, blending academic preparation with social activities. Parents also see the value in helping their students transition smoothly, which boosts participation. Ultimately, if students see a program as valuable, they’ll show up.

Jack: You mentioned the importance of student voices in shaping campus initiatives. Have there been any recent projects that really leaned into that peer-led approach?

Absolutely. One of the most impactful examples is our tour ambassador program. These students serve as the face of UCA for prospective students and families, sharing their personal experiences and giving campus tours. When I first arrived, I had our academic deans go on a tour, led by real students, to see firsthand what prospective students hear about our campus. They came away with a whole new appreciation for the student perspective.

We also integrate peer mentoring into academic support – whether it’s tutoring in challenging courses or informal mentorship, students often feel more comfortable asking for help from a peer who’s been in their shoes. That kind of student-to-student connection is incredibly powerful.

Jack: Finally, what’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

One of my early mentors gave me a book called Monday Morning Leadership, and there was a lesson in it that stuck with me. It talked about how the most important thing in any job is what your team believes it is. If your staff thinks numbers are the most important thing, that’s what they’ll focus on. But if they believe that student success is the top priority, that’s where the energy will go. That lesson shaped how I lead – my number one focus is always the students. If you make every decision with their success in mind, everything else will fall into place.