ALMA — Paul Thomas, a former sports communications specialist at the University of Michigan, Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University, has been named sports information director at Alma College, effective Aug. 3.
Thomas replaces Mike Hanson, who served as Alma’s SID from August 2008 through May 2015. Hanson left Alma to accept a position at the University of Montana in May 2015. He died unexpectedly on June 17.
A Northern Michigan University graduate with a degree in public relations and journalism, Thomas is a Detroit native with more than seven years of college and university SID experience.
“I’m exited to welcome Paul to Alma College,” says Athletic Director Steven Rackley. “Paul brings a level of experience and professionalism that will greatly add to a tremendous athletic program. He has done award-winning work at his previous institutions, and he will lead our efforts to promote our programs and student-athletes.”
An Alma resident Thomas has served as pastor of Breckenridge United Methodist Church since July 2013. He also has held communication roles with the Detroit Conference of The United Methodist Church.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Alma College family and I want to thank the search committee for giving me this opportunity,” says Thomas. “Collegiate athletics has always been a passion of mine and for my family and I love this area. We are very excited for this new adventure.
“The future looks bright for the Scots,” he says. “My immediate goal is to help the community know about the kind of quality athletic programs that can be found at Alma College. I am looking forward to working with the coaches, student-athletes and staff to tell the story about what makes being a Scot so special.”
Prior to his church positions, Thomas served as assistant director of athletic communications and marketing at Michigan Tech, communications assistant with the Midwestern Collegiate Conference, assistant sports information director at Northern Michigan and assistant athletic media relations director at the University of Michigan. At each of his professional stops, his publications earned national awards from the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
At U-M, Thomas was the primary media contact for the ice hockey, volleyball and women’s field hockey teams. He served as media coordinator for the 2002 NCAA Ice Hockey West Regional and 2003 NCAA Midwest Ice Hockey Regional, both held at Yost Ice Arena on the U-M campus.
The sports information director is responsible for the promotion of Alma College’s NCAA Division III men’s and women’s athletics programs. Alma College competes as a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the oldest existing athletic conference in the nation. Alma offers 25 varsity-level sports — 12 for women and 12 for men plus competitive cheer.