Alumni Spotlight
Eloise Thomas
B.S. 2002
Major: Psychology
Minor: Writing
M.S. 2005, Clinical Psychology
Occupation: Psychology Faculty
Eloise Thomas came to Evangel in 1999 to finish her bachelor’s degree in psychology, but she never imagined the experience would be so valuable.
She completed her bachelor’s degree and also earned a master’s in clinical psychology from Evangel. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, which she will complete in 2008.
Eloise has been teaching as an adjunct instructor at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) since 2003. In January 2008, she will begin as a full-time member of the psychology faculty at OTC.
“Until I began at Evangel, I never dreamed that teaching would be my calling and passion,” she said. “Evangel gave me wonderful opportunities to teach and work with students in many ways.”
She served at Evangel as a tutor in the Write Place and in the Academic Support Center, eventually becoming an academic services coordinator.
Eloise’s enthusiasm for working with students further developed while teaching courses as a graduate assistant. “I found that I loved pouring into the lives of college students, especially in the classroom,” she said.
Eloise recalled a time of uncertainty when she returned to college. “I was not confident that I could make it academically, spiritually or emotionally,” she said.
At Evangel, she found more than her call to work with students: she experienced “love, acceptance, affirmation and encouragement from professors who were passionate about both their students and their subject matter,” she said.
Eloise is thankful that God used all of these opportunities for healing and growth in her life — to lead her to where she is today.
“Evangel offered me grace unlike any I had ever experienced before,” she said. “The faculty, staff and administration at Evangel showed me Jesus with skin.”
Eloise has two sons: John who lives in Russell, Kan., and Chris who lives in Grand Island, Neb. John is married to Lisa, and they have a beautiful 6-year-old daughter named Lilly.