Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas joined the Cincinnati athletics department in February 2022 and currently serves as the Associate Athletics Director for Major and Principal Gifts / Senior Director of Development.

As a member of the department’s leadership team, Thomas is instrumental in the planning and execution of major gift strategies, fundraising campaigns, and capital projects. Thomas has been leading the coordination and implementation of strategic fundraising processes that will determine the priorities and direction of the department.

Thomas came to Cincinnati from the University of Minnesota where he was the Director of Major Gifts. While in this capacity, Thomas contributed to the completion of the record-breaking university-wide Driven campaign that amassed over $4 billion. In addition, Thomas assisted in the nearly-funded $166 million Nothing Short of Greatness athletics campaign. The Columbia, Missouri, native joined the Minnesota staff in July 2019.

Prior to Minnesota, Thomas was the athletics Development Officer at New Mexico State University. There he led the Aggie Athletic club to its best year-over-year growth while setting new records for total memberships and dollars raised. While at NMSU, Thomas developed various fundraising campaigns but most notable, completing the Aggie football locker room renovation.

Prior to his time at New Mexico State, Thomas also had stints at Florida Gulf Coast University, University of Northern Iowa, and the University of Missouri. He brings nine years of athletic development experience and eleven years overall of intercollegiate athletics experience to UC.

Thomas played two years of basketball for Missouri Valley College and graduated with a degree in Business and Sports Management. Thomas earned his master’s in sport administration from Missouri Baptist University.