UNC officials have selected a new leader for the Carolina Women’s Center.

The office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and provost at UNC has selected Gloria Thomas to begin this week as the new CWC director.

CWC is an organization within UNC that aims to create an inclusive education and work environment for women through research, education, and advocacy.

“Dr. Thomas has an extensive record of leadership and commitment to women and underserved populations,” said UNC-Chapel Hill Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost James W. Dean Jr. “We are thrilled that she has brought her experience and expertise to Carolina to benefit our faculty, staff and students.”

Before coming to UNC, Thomas served as director of the Center for the Education of Women at the University of Michigan as well as Associate Director of the Office of Women in Higher Education at the American Council on Education.

“I look forward to joining the staff as the next director of the Carolina Women’s Center here at UNC-Chapel Hill. The center is an effective advocate for survivors of sexual assault and violence and a great resource for programs that promote women’s self empowerment,” Thomas said.

“I hope to build upon those strengths by promoting the safety, success and leadership of women on Carolina’s campus as well as continuing to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Thomas has a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts degree in teaching of English from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in black studies from Swarthmore College.