July 20, 2022 -- During a special meeting of the School Board of the City of Manassas on Tuesday, Dr. Chevese Thomas was confirmed as the division’s new Executive Director of Student Services. Dr. Thomas joins Manassas from Hampton City Schools and has over 26 years of educational experience. She will begin her new position on August 1.

“Dr. Thomas has the heart to serve and meet the needs of students and their families,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman. “Her areas of focus are critical to our students' overall success and well-being.  The fact that she has seen success in effectively turning around schools at the elementary and middle school levels falls in line with the academic support we want in place for students and families.”

For the past 16 years, Dr. Thomas has been an administrator, serving as an assistant principal, principal, and academic success coordinator. In her current role, she provides support to struggling students, assists with attendance improvement, works closely with social services, and aids with students’ learning plans. Before her tenure at Hampton City, Dr. Thomas was a special education teacher.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University.  She has a master’s in special education and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Old Dominion University. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Virginia Tech. 

Additionally, Dr. Thomas will serve as an adjunct professor at Norfolk State University in the Fall. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

As Executive Director of Student Services, Dr. Thomas will oversee special education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), student health, counseling, attendance, discipline, equity, and school safety.  She will also oversee intermediate, middle, and high school principals.

Dr. Thomas believes leaders should be lifelong learners who desire to serve others. She strongly believes in empowering and equipping teachers and staff with essential resources for success.

“I am passionate about serving the ‘whole child,’ which involves social-emotional health, unique needs, discipline, attendance, and health and preventive services,” she said. Adding, “All students deserve an optimal education.”