Dr. Robert Dranoff, East Coast Conference Commissioner, said the conference was very pleased to hear of Thomas’ appointment. Thomas takes the place of Ms. Shantey Hill, who was formerly a Senior Associate Director of Athletics at LIU Post before recently taking on the job as the Athletic Director at St. Joseph’s College (NY).
“We are certain that Patricia will continue to lend her excellent leadership skills and knowledge to this important committee and represent our region very well,” Dranoff said.
Thomas’ appointment is for the unexpired portion of her predecessor’s term. She will serve on the committee from now through September 1st, 2016.
“This appointment is a great honor for our Director of Athletics and for the University,” Interim President Dr. James E. Lyons said. “The NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Committee will benefit tremendously from Patricia Thomas’ significant experience in athletics.” As a member of the committee, Thomas will work alongside seven other regional representatives to evaluate and select sites to host the national tournament, provide oversight over the periodic NCAA regional rankings, and conduct the national tournament which includes the selection and seeding of participants.
Thomas became the first female African American Director of Athletics in the university’s history when she was appointed to the position in December, 2008. As Director of Athletics, she oversees all department operations, specifically the university’s 10 Division II teams which include: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, women’s cross country and women’s indoor and outdoor track & field.
Thomas came to the University of the District of Columbia with over 30 years of experience in NCAA athletics. Prior to accepting the post at UDC, she served as the Senior Associate Athletic Director at Georgetown University and as a member of the NCAA Division I Management Council.
A well-respected member of the NCAA community, Thomas has been acknowledged nationally for her work in NCAA and Big East athletics. In addition to her service on the DI Management Council, she has also served as a member of the NCAA Division I Championships and Competition Cabinet, Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport Committee, Big East Conference Executive Committee, Director’s Cup Committee, and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Executive Committee. In recognition of her experience and knowledge, Thomas was selected to serve one term on the NCAA Division II Management Council in 2010.
“It is a privilege to represent the East Region on this important committee,” Thomas said. “I look forward to working with an outstanding group of administrators and coaches.”
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