From commanding critical missions in the U.S. Air Force to steering national space security strategies for one of the world’s largest defense contractors, Dr. Everett H. Thomas has carved a legacy of excellence, leadership, and innovation.
A 1980 Mississippi Valley State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental health, Dr. Thomas went on to serve more than 30 years in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Major General. His distinguished military service included commanding the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and serving as vice commander of Air Force Global Strike Command.
Following his military career, Dr. Thomas joined Lockheed Martin Space, where he rose to become Vice President of National Security Space Strategic Integration. In this role, he strategically linked more than 60 defense and space programs. Prior to that, he led a team of nearly 3,000 employees in Lockheed’s Mission Solutions division, which had a portfolio of nearly $1 billion across five countries.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Thomas earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Organization Development and Change from Cabrini University. He holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and Central Missouri University and has completed executive education programs at Syracuse University and George Washington University.
Dr. Thomas’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to national defense, strategic innovation, and global leadership—an embodiment of the MVSU mission to produce graduates who lead and serve on the world stage.