Clinical Associate Professor & Assistant Dean
South Carolina Honors College
About Me
Well what's in a name? Kay Thomas or Kay Banks? What does the H mean? I'm sure it can be confusing as I transition from my married (Banks) to my maiden name (Thomas), especially for my students. The process has taken longer than expected and hopefully will be finalized this summer. In the meantime, check out my Blog for my post called "Formerly Known As" for details and an interesting story behind the H.
I was very involved in undergrad so it is no surprise that I would work on a college campus. My professional background is diverse, combining more than 20 years as an experienced leader in higher education with a strong expertise in academic and student affairs. Currently, I am a Clinical Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity Officer in the South Carolina Honors College:
- Teach courses on leadership, social and cultural capital.
- Program Supervision of the following areas:academic advising, student services, student engagement, senior thesis and
student wellness. - Serve as the college liaison for the University’s Council of Academic Diversity Officers.
- Serve as an academic advisor for various majors.
When I am not on campus, I enjoy spending time with my daughter exploring our city or planning the next trip. Follow me on social media or subscribe to my blog.
Service to the community
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
Mahatma Gandhi
University of South Carolina
I have supported student organizations serving as an advisor for the Black Honors Caucus and Scholars United. As an administrator, I have served the campus community in the following roles:
- President, Black Faculty Staff Association, 2020 - 2022
- Faculty Senate Admissions Committee
- Campus Search Committees: Co-chair, HRSM Dean search committee; Chair, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion search committee; member, Director of Center for Teaching Excellence search committee
City of Columbia
Since I was an undergraduate student, I have always enjoyed volunteering in the local community. I specifically choose organizations and opportunities that provide engagement with others or those we are serving:
- Chair, Rehoboth Baptist Church Youth GAP Ministry, 2022 - 2023
- Friends of the African American Arts Committee, 2021 - present
- Reader, United Way Reading Consortium 2019 - present
- Women in Philanthropy, 2020 - present
- School Improvement Council, 2015 - 2018
