AWC’s Michelle Thomas named WESTOP president
Group helps support underserved students
An employee at Arizona Western College was recently selected as president for the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP).
Officials with the college say that Michelle Thomas, AWC director of TRIO programs, was recently elected to serve for the 20182019 term.
TRIO programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for low-income, first-generation and disabled students.
According to the organization’s website, WESTOP is one of 10 regional associations with the same missions as TRIO programs. AWC officials say as president, Thomas presides over six chapters in Arizona, Central California, Nevada, Northern California, Pacific Islands and Southern California.
“Even though I’m representing our whole region, I bring the perspective of Arizona and our smaller rural communities to the table, because that’s who I am and that’s where I am from,” Thomas said in a statement. “I’m thankful for this opportunity to be a voice for our TRIO programs at the regional and national level.”
Additionally, officials with the college note that association members are provided a variety of opportunities to network and develop professionally on an annual basis through chapter meetings, professional development seminars, and conferences.
“WESTOP also advocates for continued financial and legislative support at the federal, state, and local levels for educational programs that work with economically and educationally disadvantaged students,” the release states.
The organization’s website shows that WESTOP monitors local, state, and federal regulations, policies, and procedures affecting educational opportunities and engage in research and evaluation to enhance the effectiveness of their programs.
“It’s an honor and I’m definitely humbled to be able to contribute to the professional development of those that work in our educational equity programs,” Thomas said in a statement. “Our mission is to help develop, help train, and help support the professionals working with our TRIO students so they’re the best they can be.”
Thomas’s leadership responsibilities include but are not limited to planning WESTOP’s regional conference and visiting the six chapters throughout the region when they hold their professional development seminars.
AWC officials say her role as WESTOP president also places her on the board of directors for the Council of Opportunity in Education where she has the opportunity to attend their board meetings and conferences. Thomas can also advocate for TRIO programs in Washington, D.C. during an annual policy seminar and visit with congressional leaders.
Nationally, AWC officials also say that more than 812,000 lowincome, first-generation students and students with disabilities — from sixth grade through college graduation — are served by over 3,100 TRIO programs.