Photo by University Relations

Mr. Wes Thomas is a fixture on this campus, having served at NGCSU not merely for years, but for decades. However, length of service in and of itself is not qualification enough. As the Staff Awards committee members read the nominations and comments from campus, it because evident that with his long service, Wes has made an impact on everyone with whom he has come in contact. His leadership and exceptional service were recalled over and over in the nominations and comments from fellow staff, administrators, faculty, students and alumni. Words like respect, dedication, reliability, motivational and supportive are just a few of the descriptors used to speak of his influence on students, staff and faculty alike.

One young alumnus described Wes Thomas' influence this way… “During my 4 years, he became my most trusted advisor, mentor, confidant, and friend in the area of student life.” This alum also believes that he isn't the only alum who feels this way stating that he believes that there are possibly thousands of students who would credit Wes for their extraordinary experience at NGCSU. He continues by saying that leadership means different things to different people but, for him, it can essentially be summed up in trust, motivation, knowledge and positive influence and that Wes uses these qualities and others of servant leadership to spur students to affect their own lives and that of their campus and community.

Wes' fellow staff members spoke of his dedication to making sure events are successful and to always being available to answer questions and help out – all with a spirit of camaraderie and humility. His leadership can be seen in the SGA, SAB, INTRO, and the numerous committees on which he serves.

The Staff Council hopes you will agree that Wes is most deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations, Wes!

--exerpted from speech given at Fall Convocation by Karen Roop, 2005 Staff Awards Committee Chair