Episode Details

Chris Thomas, VP for Student Affairs at West Texas A&M University, shares how he built a culture of mentorship, belonging, and authentic leadership — sustaining 26 years of mission-driven service without burning out.

In this conversation, you'll learn:
✅ How the internal vs. external locus of control framework develops accountable, resilient teams
✅ Why authentic leadership — not programs or policies — is the real retention lever
✅ How to build layered after-hours support systems so no one falls through the cracks

This episode is for People Ops leaders, HR directors, and mission-driven executives who want to build cultures where people stay, grow, and actually want to show up.

👤 ABOUT CHRIS THOMAS:
Chris Thomas is the Vice President for Student Affairs at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, where he oversees housing, dining, campus health, student activities, Greek life, the rec complex, and more. With 26 years in higher education student affairs — starting as a graduate assistant managing 214 student organizations at Texas State — Chris has built a career on authentic, people-first leadership. He is a participant in the Governor's leadership program as a mentor and is widely known on campus as someone who greets everyone, remembers names, and leads by presence.

🔗 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-thomas-ed-d-97461b4/
🔗 West Texas A&M University: https://www.wtamu.edu

🎙️ ABOUT HART & HUSTLE:
Hart & Hustle brings you weekly conversations with mission-driven leaders solving real problems in healthcare, education, and community services. 

Every week, host Efrain Lozada sits down with nonprofit executives, operations directors, and innovators to uncover practical strategies you can implement in your organization.

Subscribe for weekly insights on nonprofit leadership, operations, and scaling mission impact.

🔗 CONNECT WITH US:

FRANSiS™ Website: https://fransis.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fromfransis

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