Dr. Mary Anna Thomas serves as Director of Nursing for the Vocational Nursing (VN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at Galveston College. With over 14 years of teaching experience, Thomas has mentored more than 200 students during her time at the college. Her work reflects a long-standing dedication to preparing nursing graduates who will enter the healthcare field to provide care and healing in diverse settings.

Since stepping into the director role in May 2024, Thomas has overseen several key initiatives. These include the college’s transition to a new Health Sciences Education Center, development of reaccreditation documentation, and ongoing collaboration with the Texas Board of Nursing to maintain and advance academic standards.

Before becoming program director, Thomas served as an assistant professor and Level I coordinator from 2021 to 2024. In that role, she led lectures and clinical instruction, integrated pharmacology more deeply into the curriculum, and chaired the Admissions and Progression Committee, contributing to the strategic development of the nursing programs.

Thomas is an advocate of Galveston College’s collaborative teaching approach. Faculty in the nursing department share responsibilities and ideas to continuously improve curriculum and instruction. The 2024 graduating class marks a personal milestone for Thomas, as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of her own nursing school graduation. Many of the graduates began their studies under her guidance as freshmen.

From 2015 to 2020, Thomas worked outside of academia, holding leadership positions at several healthcare facilities in the Galveston-Houston area. These included roles as nursing manager at Kindred Healthcare and Houston Physicians’ Hospital, as well as director of nursing services at Methodist Retirement Communities.

Thomas began her nursing career in 2005 after earning an Associate Degree in Nursing from College of the Mainland. She later completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration at The University of Texas Medical Branch, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from The University of Texas at Tyler. She has been a licensed registered nurse in Texas since 2005 and holds the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) credential.

With a family background rich in nursing tradition, Thomas brings both professional expertise and personal connection to her role. Her leadership continues to shape Galveston College’s nursing programs and support students from a wide range of backgrounds in pursuing careers in healthcare.