William L. Thomas, Jr. Omicron Delta Kappa Lecture Fund

Before coming to College Park in 1972, Bud Thomas had been Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residence Halls at the University of Tennessee, and also worked at the University of Northern Colorado in Greely as Director of Housing. He assumed the position of Director of Residential Life when he joined the University of Maryland, and was promoted to Vice President of Student Affairs in 1975. During his career of nearly 30 years, he worked for six university presidents. In his position, he managed 15 units and oversaw the renovation and construction of several campus facilities: the Stamp Student Union, the Eppley Recreation Center, the University Golf Course Club House, the University Health Center, and several sorority and fraternity houses. He also served a stint as Acting Athletic Director.

Bud was active in several professional associations including the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the American College Personnel Association. He founded the Maryland Student Affairs Conference, the longest running regional conference in the field. For more than 20 years, Bud was an affiliate assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Personnel Services, teaching a number of courses including the doctoral capstone seminar. Among his many awards and honors, he was the recipient of the President’s Medal in 2000, the highest award bestowed on campus. The Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society lecture series was named for Bud upon his retirement in 2000.

Bud’s many friends and colleagues miss his “larger than life” personality. He loved to discuss issues, was a good listener, and served as mentor to many individuals at Maryland and across the country. Bud was an avid golfer, and as a tribute to his love of the sport and devotion to the university, the Golf Course Clubhouse has been dedicated and named the William L. Thomas, Jr., Room. Bud will be remembered for his integrity, sensitivity, and the value he placed on the student experience.

Named in honor and in memory of former Vice President for Student Affairs, William L. “Bud” Thomas, this fund provides annual support for the ODK speaker series. The ODK Speaker Series brings high caliber national and world leaders to the University for the benefit of the entire campus community. Through your support of the Thomas Lecture Fund, we are able to bring speakers to campus who have achieved distinction in their field of expertise, or who have rendered unusually significant service through their leadership in significant causes.

Omicron Delta Kappa – Sigma Circle is the University of Maryland’s chapter of the national leadership honor society for college students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni that recognizes and encourages scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character.