After nearly two decades as an instructor, Ed Thomas has taken on a new chapter as the Division Chair of Humanities and Communication at Lake Land College. Stepping into this leadership role is a significant change for Thomas, but one that he finds both exciting and rewarding. In a recent interview, Thomas reflected on his new position, the challenges he anticipates, and the path that led him to this point in his career.
Thomas began teaching in 2000, moving into a full-time position in 2006 at Lake Land College, where he taught communication courses, including broadcasting. After nearly 18 years of full-time teaching, he was ready for a change. “I’ve been teaching for quite a long time, and the change is exciting,” Mr. Thomas shared. He was encouraged by colleagues to apply for the role of Division Chair, which brought about a different set of responsibilities, including learning new systems, software, and managing people once again.
Despite the significant shift from being an instructor to a leadership position, Thomas is embracing the change. “I think I’m enjoying it more than I thought I would,” he said. Although still early in his tenure, he feels that he is adjusting well to the new role. However, he recognizes that this year is primarily a learning period. “Year one, I’m going to learn the role, and then next year, I’ll have a better sense of what I can do,” he explained, adding that any changes he would introduce this year would be more operational in nature.
When asked what drew him to the position, Thomas admitted that the variety and challenge appealed to him. “It’s a big jump from being an instructor,” he acknowledged, noting that the role comes with longer hours and a different workload. Still, he was ready to see if he could take on the responsibility of division chair and was eager for the variety it offered.
In addition to his new role, Thomas continues to teach, with a reduced course load. This semester, he is teaching two classes compared to the five or six he used to manage. “I still teach, but it’s about a third of my previous schedule,” he said.
Thomas is aware that his new position will come with challenges, particularly as it relates to the national issue of declining enrolment. “Enrollment is always going to be looming,” he noted. Additionally, transitioning from being a colleague to a supervisor presents its own difficulties. “There are times when I have to be the bad guy, and I don’t really enjoy that,” he admitted, but he understands that it is part of the job.
Despite the challenges, Thomas is optimistic about the future and eager to make his mark in this leadership role. With his extensive experience and enthusiasm for the change, Lake Land College’s Humanities and Communication Division is in capable hands.
