Dr. Richard (Chip) Thomas II

From Vision to Impact: A Leadership Journey in Advising and Career Services As Assistant Dean of Advising & Career Services at Colorado Mountain College, I led the transformation of academic advising and career services to align with institutional goals and student success. My work bridged strategy and execution, focusing on innovation and collaboration to meet the diverse needs of a multi-campus institution. Central to this effort was the CMC Compass Initiative, a student onboarding project designed to build meaningful advisor-student connections and provide a clear pathway from enrollment to graduation. By integrating guided pathways and best practices, I developed robust training programs that empowered advisors, counselors, and faculty to deliver personalized support. To expand career readiness, I implemented Handshake, enhancing the college-to-career network for students, faculty, and employers. I also contributed to the Workday implementation team, designing the Student module to meet nuanced institutional needs. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, I led the redesign of the Online Orientation, ensuring accessibility for a geographically dispersed student population. Beyond campus, I forged strategic workforce development partnerships and collaborated with Institutional Research on initiatives like the Graduate Survey to drive data-informed improvements. Through collaboration with Academic Affairs, I established a faculty advising program that fostered mentorship and expanded advising capacity across disciplines. Staying engaged with professional associations, I ensured our programs anticipated trends in higher education and workforce readiness. By turning vision into action, I created systems, strategies, and partnerships that elevated student success and left a lasting impact on Colorado Mountain College’s advising and career services landscape.

Building Connections, Enhancing Experiences: A Journey in Student Affairs Leadership As Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at Colorado Mountain College, I embraced a dynamic role requiring vision, adaptability, and a commitment to student success. Leading a team that spanned advising, career services, disability services, tutoring, and TRIO programs, I ensured personalized support for all students while fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment. My responsibilities included chairing the Behavioral Intervention Team and Safety Committee, ensuring safety and well-being across campus. As Campus Title IX Deputy Coordinator, I handled sensitive investigations and hearings with a focus on equity and compliance. Additionally, I served as Acting Campus Dean, overseeing academic and student services while promoting team collaboration and unity. Collaboration was central to my work. I partnered with Academic Affairs to align services, streamline enrollment processes, and enhance inclusivity, creating actionable strategies for student success. Key Achievements: CMC Compass Project: Redesigned student processes aligned with guided pathways for clearer, more supportive academic journeys. Student Affairs Office Suite: Designed a centralized hub for student services, completed on time and under budget. Retention Pilot Program: Led retention initiatives that improved registration and supported student persistence. LEAD Program: Strengthened leadership and strategic planning skills through targeted development. Innovation Fellows Program: Reimagined academic and student processes to better serve diverse populations. At the core of my leadership philosophy is the belief that every student interaction is an opportunity to inspire, support, and empower. I remain dedicated to creating pathways that enable students to thrive in their academic and personal lives.

Creating Community and Connection: Leading Student Life and Housing As Director of Student Life and Housing at Colorado Mountain College, I prioritized fostering a vibrant, inclusive environment where students could thrive academically and personally. By addressing immediate needs and setting a vision for long-term growth, I implemented impactful changes across student activities, residence life, and dining services. I built a collaborative and motivated team, ensuring exceptional support through mentoring, training, and engagement. As a member of the Crisis Management Team (CARE), I worked with campus partners to respond to emergencies and create a safe, welcoming campus. Advising the Student Government Association and supporting clubs, I empowered student leaders to drive inclusion and community building. Recognizing the importance of facilities, I enhanced dining services and contributed to designing spaces like the Ascent Recreation Center. Managing a $2 million budget, I also led the Summer Conference Program, building partnerships and generating revenue. Key Achievements: Designed a Campus Recreation Organizational Structure, including staffing and inclusive programming. Led development of new dining facilities and recreation centers to meet evolving needs. Updated Club Manuals and handbooks, fostering leadership and inclusivity. Spearheaded revisions to the CMC Student Handbook to reflect innovation and excellence. Serving as Associate Dean of Student Affairs, I bridged student services and academic leadership, creating pathways for students to connect, grow, and succeed. Through strategic vision and hands-on leadership, I shaped a holistic student experience that continues to leave a lasting impact.

Work with small companies to provide exceptional bookkeeping services.

Where Pixels Paint Dreams… ...into cherished memories Welcome to Colorful Colorado Photography! My images are an ode to the Rockies and an invitation to explore, come on a visual journey with me. With dedication, authenticity, and a touch of mountain magic, I turn pixels into cherished memories.

Bridging Student & Academic Affairs through Spatial Design and Construction. ⇨ Served as expert consultant on Student Housing, Residence Life, Privatized Housing, College Student Development, Organizational Development, Student Conduct, and other areas. ⇨ Recognized expert in Organizational Transformation, Program Development, and Leadership Training and Mentoring, ⇨ Consulted/Designed Student Housing Units, Student Centers, and Recreation Centers. Was able to help bring connection and engagement into each one of these designs through diligent introspection of current student and campus needs. ⇨ Leveraged over 20 years of higher education experience across college, public, private non-profit and for-profit environments. ⇨ Trained through the ACUHO-I Professional Standards Institute to review, apply, and recommend changes to College/University Housing departments based on the Professional Standards set forth by ACUHO-I.

Help support the President and President-Elect in working toward their roles to lead and direct the association of College/University Housing professionals.

To lead our association and to aspire to new levels of ideas to engage our membership in the growth of our association.

Support the Association of Internountain Housing Officers in my role and to gain an understanding of what the position is and what will be when I move into the Presidents position.

⇨ Established 2+ years of excellence in business and organizational development, receiving multiple "Elite A-Team" sales awards for surpassing targets. ⇨ Brought a new level of passion and focus to Customer Service, introducing new policies and procedures. ⇨ Served as Lead Trainer to employees and drastically increased performance and morale. ⇨ Transformed inventory management efficiency levels through new procedures affecting inventory control, callbacks, overstock, and other aspects. ⇨ Increased store profitability and generated new sales opportunities through effective price change control and store layout optimization. ⇨ Recognized as a catalyst for positive organizational change, employee engagement, and greater operational transparency.

Transforming Communities: Leadership in Student Housing and Residential Life As Director of Student Housing and Residential Life at CSU Monterey Bay, I reshaped housing and residential education to meet the needs of a growing student community. My focus was creating inclusive, sustainable living-learning environments aligned with university goals for retention and success. Leading a team of 14 full-time staff, 40 part-time employees, and 150 student staff, I managed over 3,000 bed spaces across 800,000 square feet of facilities. A strategic housing enrollment plan, developed with Enrollment Management, boosted housing enrollment and supported retention. I also introduced living-learning communities fostering academic success and social connections while advancing sustainability initiatives. I managed a $15M+ budget, ensuring resources were maximized to enhance the student experience and financial stability. As part of the Crisis Management Team (CARE), I ensured a safe and supportive environment, responding to emergencies and resolving student concerns with care. Key Achievements: Developed strategic plans to expand Housing and Residential Education, guided by assessment and learning outcomes. Introduced modernized policies for housing assignments, meal plans, and custodial operations. Elevated team performance through training in social justice, sustainability, and collaboration. Advocated for students by bridging departments and aligning with institutional priorities. By combining strategic vision with operational excellence, I created a supportive and empowering community where students thrived.

Transforming Campus Living: Leadership in Housing and Residential Life As Director of Housing and Residential Life at Mesa State College, I reimagined student living spaces, fostering accountability, transparency, and innovation. Leading an 8-person professional team and 100 student staff, I implemented a "100% accountability" philosophy, managing an $8.4M budget across 1,600 bed spaces and 780,000 square feet of facilities. Collaborating with local law enforcement, I drafted Sexual Assault and Alcohol/Drug Policies, ensuring compliance and conducting staff training alongside the Grand Junction Fire Department. I enhanced operational efficiency by introducing the Express Check Out system, streamlining processes and improving the student experience. Additionally, I optimized Summer Conference operations, managing 25 camps, 4,000 participants, and a $260K budget. Building for the Future I spearheaded transformative projects that reshaped the campus: Bunting Hall: Designed a sustainable suite-style residence hall with meeting spaces and energy-efficient systems. Grand Mesa Hall: Developed a 288-bed hall with classrooms, computer labs, and sustainable heating. Monument Hall: Played a key role in creating a 180-bed suite-style hall, now a campus favorite. Rait Hall: Led renovations to modernize bathrooms and public spaces. Tolman Hall: Modernized a 48,000-square-foot hall with rewired internet and satellite capabilities. Residence Life Office: Redesigned spaces to enhance accessibility and create a welcoming atmosphere. Through strategic leadership and operational excellence, I transformed policies, practices, and spaces, creating a supportive community where students could thrive.

✔ Worked with Director of Housing to create and direct strategic planning of services/ programs. ✔ Provided exceptional leadership and oversight in the administration of housing/residential services for students, camps and other outside users of the residential facilities.

This doctoral degree is designed for leadership roles in colleges and universities, especially in student development, academic support, and institutional administration. My research and dissertation was a narrative study on home-schooled students and their perception of their college success. I conducted interviews with eight students within the state of Colorado at a wide range of institutions. Also acquired my certificate in Strengths Based Leadership and Training. This shows my extended education on Strengths, StrengthsQuest, and StrengthesFinders to bring this skill to your organization or company.

The Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) Master of Science degree is designed for students seeking careers in student affairs and higher education administration in a college setting. Course work spans two years and 45 credit hours, including practicums in the Office of Non-Traditional Learners and Career Services. I conducted research and wrote on the Privatization on College and University Student Services.

Studied Construction Management process, such as Project Management, Scheduling, Construction Process and Materials.