Emily Thomas is Education NC’s Regional Director of Western North Carolina. She creates content, conducts research, and tells the stories of our state’s students across the education continuum. Emily also helps communities think strategically, connecting the threads of education, workforce development, and attainment.

Emily has over 15 years of experience in education. Much of her career has been spent in enrollment, advising, and teaching communication at two-year and four-year public and private institutions. Emily has also served as a strategic communication consultant for higher education institutions and small businesses. Prior to joining EdNC, Emily was the vice president of partner relations and senior enrollment strategist for a marketing agency, helping colleges and universities meet their enrollment goals.  

Born and raised in western North Carolina, Emily started her college journey at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. After graduating from Caldwell, Emily went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in organizational and public communication from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in communication from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Emily’s research and teaching topics include rhetoric, storytelling, politics, media, health, and end-of- life communication.

Emily loves the outdoors, 70s folk rock music, philosophical writings, and discovering all that nature has to offer.