Dr. W. Stewart Thomas has been named dean of the Thomas College of Business and Economics (TCOBE) at UNC Pembroke. A veteran administrator and faculty member, Dr. Thomas has been a cornerstone of the business program since 2001 and brings a wealth of experience, vision and community connection to the role.

“I’m deeply honored to have been named dean of the Thomas College of Business and Economics at UNC Pembroke,” Thomas said in a press release. “This role is especially meaningful to me — not only professionally but personally — because my roots run deep in this community.”

Throughout his 20 year tenure, Thomas has held many key administrative positions, including vice chancellor for Finance and Administration, interim associate provost, associate dean and, most recently, interim dean of the TCOBE since May 2025. 

“When I look back at all the roles I’ve served at UNCP, I feel like all of them prepared me for this new role,” Thomas said in a press release. “I feel like all my past experiences and the strong relationships I’ve built are coming together at the right time. This is a unique opportunity to create something truly special.”

Thomas’ vision for the college centers on community engagement, innovation and student success. One of his top goals is to deepen the college’s ties with regional stakeholders and to serve as a catalyst for economic development in southeastern North Carolina.

“Our mission goes beyond classroom walls. We want to be a catalyst for economic development, entrepreneurship and business success in southeastern North Carolina,” he said in a press release. “We must share our intellectual and institutional assets with our businesses and citizens.”

 A champion of innovation and technology, Thomas is focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the business world and education. With a strong data analytics and finance background, Thomas plans to further position TCOBE as a leader in career-readiness, ethical AI use and applied learning experiences. Signature initiatives such as SPARK (Student Professional Accountings Records Knowledge), the VITA tax assistance program and expanded service-learning partnerships exemplify the college’s impact in the region.

Faculty development will also remain a top priority.

“Our greatest asset is our faculty,” Thomas added in a press release. “They deliver outcomes for our students, and we must ensure they have the tools to do that. With the support of Chancellor (Robin Gary) Cummings and university leadership, we’ll continue to advocate for their professional growth.”