Alumnus Rashad D. Thomas ’02 Embodies the ‘Depart to Serve’ Ideal
Rashad D. Thomas ’02 admits that he was “not the ideal student” during his time at Bethune-Cookman (then College). But as a regional director for AT&T overseeing government affairs, he is working hard to embody the “morals and values the school is built on,” including the commitment to service upon departure.
Thomas graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and through a partnership between Bethune-Cookman and neighboring Daytona State College, he simultaneously graduated from the police academy.
“I’m surely one of Mary’s kids,” he said in a recent email conversation. “Understanding the values of B-CU helped shape me, so when going into the corporate world, I understood who I was representing and how to use the skills obtained to become a successful professional and community leader.”
Thomas takes his responsibility to give back seriously. He presently serves on numerous boards and community organizations, including the United Way of Miami’s Board, City Year Miami (incoming chair), South Florida After-School All-Stars (in-coming chair), Miami-Dade Economic and Advocacy Trust (2nd vice chair), Belfonte Tacolocy Center Executive Board, the United Negro College Fund Leadership Council, and Generational Cure.
Recently, he represented B-CU in Hip Rock Star Advertising’s film HBCU Homecoming – The Journey to the Yard, which is currently streaming on AppleTV.
“I’m honored for classmates who knew me as “Doink” during my time at B-CU, to see me as a husband, father, and community leader still attending and having fun during homecoming,” he said.
Thomas said he would not be where he is without the mentorship of community members who believed in him, and his network extending beyond the friends he grew up with.
“It’s not about who you know, but who knows you, and most importantly, who likes you,” said Thomas. “Your brand is everything, therefore, you must be strategic in how you brand yourself to stand out from others.”
He emphasizes the importance of networking and being willing to step outside of one’s comfort zone as being key to getting where you want to be in life.
“It’s important to start creating your network early by getting involved in community initiatives,” he said. “Most people don’t find success, success finds them. You can’t sit on the sideline feeling overlooked [if] you’ve never positioned yourself for success.”
“It’s rare your life will go as planned, but it’s important to prepare for life’s curve balls,” he continued. “You also have to have patience and understand things don’t always happen when planned, but when God think it’s best.”
He also has some tips for the current generation of students on ways to improve and maximize their networks: “If you do not have a LinkedIn account, get one immediately. Most senior executives do not have Instagram, Tik Tok, or Facebook; they’re only on LinkedIn,” he said.
“My number one piece of advice is, never settle,” he said. “Know your value and shoot for the stars.”
