Skip Navigation

Holly Thomas

Skip Side Navigation

Holly Thomas

Senior Academic Counselor - OU Scholars 

Department: University College

Phone: 405-325-2851

Email: hthomas@ou.edu

Education:

  • B.S. Health and Physical Education, Cameron University, 2008
  • M.S. College Student Personnel, Arkansas Tech University, 2011

OU Courses:

  • UCOL 1002 - First-Year Foundations

About: 

Holly Thomas has worked as a first-year advisor for the OU Scholars Program since May of 2014. Prior to that she worked as an Academic Advisor at Cameron University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Health & Physical Education. In 2010, Holly moved to Arkansas to pursue her M.S. in College Student Personnel at Arkansas Tech University. During her time in Higher Education Holly has worked in Academic Advising, Student Development, First Year Programming, University Assessment, and Admissions. Holly has a passion for supporting, challenging, and advocating for first-year students as they transition from high school to college by guiding them through a journey of self-awareness and academic fulfillment while encouraging them to focus on co-curricular opportunities that bridge the gap between the academic and out-of-class environment. In her free time, Holly enjoys being creative and spending time with her two dogs, Chip and Emmy. 

What is your favorite OU tradition?

Hands down, it has to be Commencement. I get great pride out of seeing students I knew as freshmen walk across the stage at Commencement. The festivity, the excitement, the fireworks – I love it all! But most of all, I enjoy celebrating them, their accomplishment, and their time at OU.

What do you like most about working with new students?

The great thing about new students is that they are eager to be a part of the OU family with a fresh excitement to be on campus. Their enthusiasm about this new chapter in their lives is contagious. To be able to be that person who supports them through this transition to a new phase in their life is rewarding and I get great joy from pouring into them and helping them grow into holistic individuals who want to give back to the community that supports them.

What advice would you give to OU first year students?

Be open to new experiences. Make time for yourself. Ask for help when you need it. Get to know your academic advisor. Always back up your files and don’t forget to hit save!