It’s easy to see the impact of President Laurie G. Lachance’s 12-year legacy at Thomas College by looking at the facts: expansion and modernization of academic offerings, the launch of new undergraduate and graduate programs, accelerated three-year degrees, 100% online degree programs, and increasing the average incoming class GPA from 2.8 to 3.47. She spearheaded campaigns that raised nearly $50M to fund the construction of several new facilities, including the Sukeforth Family Sports Center, which opened in 2022. And most proudly, she led Thomas College as an institution that serves as an engine of upward social and economic mobility.
Something not reflected in the numbers, but you can feel is Laurie’s impact on the people of this community.
Laurie is known for successfully creating a culture at Thomas College that is kind and welcoming – and a “home” for students, staff and faculty alike. She’s also known for being a transparent leader with glass windows and a candy bowl to invite anyone in. She meets every current student on their first day at college while they sign the matriculation book and meets dozens of prospective students and families on their tour of the college.
As a way of illustrating her impact on people here, Thomas College community members shared how Laurie has influenced them during their time at the College.
“When I think of a leader, I think of Laurie– someone who can address problems head on but still ask how the kids at home are doing; someone who steers the proverbial ship through stormy waters and takes on the burden of that storm instead of saddling the storm on others; someone who leads with firmness but also with elegance. I have learned so much from Laurie; she is a role model for all women– she lives into the notion that empowered women empower women. I am lucky to have met and worked with her.” – Dr. Katie Rybakova, Associate Professor and Chair of Lunder School of Education
“From the very first time that I heard President Lachance speak, I knew that she was the epitome of a leader with class (that day was Accepted Student Day in 2013). However, how one shows his or her leadership takes that special talent to the highest level; it’s not just in the words that are spoken. When you run into the President of your college on a walk across campus and she asks you how your day is going because she genuinely cares, that is leadership. When you are in the dining hall and see the President of your college sitting at a table talking with a student or faculty member and she asks if you would like to join, that is leadership. Learning how she can help inspire young minds while providing them with the resources that they need to reach their full potential is how she has led Thomas College every single day that she has been there. Her warm and welcoming personality is second to none. I just don’t have enough words to describe what an impact that she had on my time at Thomas College, and my life for that matter. Laurie Lachance’s illustrious run as the President of Thomas College may be nearing the end, but it will most certainly never be forgotten.” - Associate Broker, Brookewood Realty, Johnny Swan ’17
“Laurie taught me to dream big and was always there to support me to make new things happen from starting esports, a Mud Run, and overseeing Thomas Cup, she trusted me with those projects to help the college and I grew because of it. She often said to students, set a goal that was so big you must grow into the person who can achieve it. I know it was often meant for students, but I always took that quote to heart and have tried to do just that in work, life, and any pursuits I have. I enjoyed immensely working with and for Laurie and I am so lucky she was our president.” – Jim Delorie M.B.A. ’14, Assistant Vice President of Residence Life and Student Engagement
“Laurie has always been a constant source of warmth and support at Thomas. Whether it was a quick chat in the hallway or greeting us with candy in her office, she has always had the ability to make students feel seen and heard. Laurie’s genuine care for Thomas College was evident, and she continuously found ways to make everyone feel welcome and valued. Laurie has left a lasting mark on the Thomas College community, and we will all miss her very much.” – Isabela Libby ’24, MBA ’25, current accounting student
“I can speak volumes about the culture Laurie has built here at Thomas college. The culture she fostered is the reason I even ended up here at Thomas College. The first time I heard President Lachance speak was at Scholarship Recognition Day, the day I realized how valuable leading with authenticity was!” – Cole Ellis ’26, current entrepreneurship student
“I’ve had the privilege to have known Laurie for well over 20 years. For the last several years, I’ve had the honor of working for her. Laurie is someone who has many superpowers but the one that I think is the most awe inspiring to me is the way that she can articulate a vision so realistically that you’d swear you can see it, feel it and even taste it. So much so that it becomes your vision as much as hers. She doesn’t do it in a heavy-handed manner or even through persuasion for that matter, she does it by showing you how the people served by her vision are better off when you also share your treasures selflessly with them as she does. If the Pied Piper had a Yoda-like master jedi as a mentor, it would be Laurie Lachance.” – Mike Duguay, Vice President of Innovation
“As President, Laurie brings a personal touch that is truly exceptional. She knows us—our names, our efforts, and the countless hours we dedicate to our work. Her genuine gratitude and appreciation remind us that our successes are collective, never the result of a single effort. She finds ways to remain a constant presence in her busy role, always ready to support our students at extracurricular activities such as athletics, dance, theater, presentations, and community conversations. The impact of her kindness and leadership will remain with me forever. Thank you, Laurie, for all you have done!” – MacKenzie Oberholzer ’21, Director of Sports Information and Athletic Communication
“From the moment I first stepped onto campus, Laurie has always been super friendly. As a senior in high school, I attended an Open House, and she took the time to approach me and my family and made us feel warm and welcome. She will surely be missed.” – Natalie Charette ’25, current early childhood education student
“In my time at Thomas College, Laurie has played a significant role in my growth—advocating for my achievements, sparking my passion for education, and even beating me at a few too many rounds of mini-golf! Having President Lachance as a mentor is a privilege that has empowered me in navigating life as a young professional and has aspired me to be a successful woman in leadership. Even as she steps down, her presence and legacy will continue to inspire generations of students to come.” – Kiara Goggin ’23, Professional & Career Development Program Coordinator
“Laurie first began as our President during my junior year of college. From day one, she quickly became the face of Thomas and led with grace, compassion and integrity. Never would I imagine in life that I could have the opportunity to know a college President but her unwavering support, love and overall care for the Thomas College community made building a relationship easy. I will never forget our TWO graduation selfies and her ability to connect with everyone around her. She left Thomas a tremendous place for students and now as an employee of the school I can honestly say she’s made Thomas a better place for everyone.” –Marquis Mason-Pollard ’14, M.B.A. ’23, Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Thomas College President Laurie Lachance for over half my life. I grew up in the same town where she and her family live, sharing experiences from attending the same daycare as her two boys to participating in sporting events and being part of the same church community. Needless to say, our families have crossed paths many times throughout my life. In the last seven years I have worked at Thomas College, I’ve had the opportunity to know Laurie now on both a personal and professional level. Regardless of our relationship, Laurie is one of the kindest people I have ever met, and I feel truly fortunate to know her.” – Nicole Smith, Associate Director of Admissions
“As a young woman starting to grow in her career, it was wonderful to have a successful female leader that was also a mentor and role model. Laurie’s ability to share knowledge, show strength and resilience, during unprecedented times, while also being supportive, kind and understanding, no matter your title, is rare and was a wonderful example for those around her. I believe that Laurie truly touched all of us at one time or another during her Presidency, whether she realized it or not. Laurie’s love of Thomas College and it’s entire community was obvious to all those who had a chance to meet her and she will be missed.” –Jeannine Ross ’03, M.B.A. ’08, Executive Director of Student Financial Services
“I started in my freshman year as Laurie was starting into her first year as president in Fall of 2012. That year she made the entire first year class feel like we were all in this new journey together! Laurie always knew how to talk with students and families with a big smile and a kind heart. Once I graduated and started working for Thomas College – it was even more clear how much President Laurie Lachance cares and genuinely believes in, not just Thomas College, but everyone in the College community. She will certainly be missed by everyone at Thomas.” – Crystal Leavitt ’16, M.B.A. ’21, JMG College Success Specialist at Thomas College
“Laurie was an empathetic leader who was the perfect person the College needed to navigate through the challenging times caused by the pandemic. She genuinely cared about the individual, whether it be student, faculty, or staff. Because of her caring or nurturing nature, her legacy will continue through the work of our newly formed Mental Health Team. Listening to our students and supporting their idea of mental health resources for our student population, she helped form and secure funding for our Mental Health Team. Every initiative generated through this committee is designed to address our student mental health needs. The impact these initiatives will have on our student population will have a lasting effect well beyond their time at Thomas College.” – Dr. Greg King, Professor of Sport Management
“Having had the privilege of working alongside President Laurie Lachance for the past 12 years, I am deeply grateful for her inspiring leadership, kindness, and dedication. Laurie’s vision and tireless commitment has transformed Thomas College into a place where every student feels valued and empowered. She has been a mentor, a friend, and a remarkable role model to all of us. Her warmth and wisdom will be missed, but her legacy of compassion, resilience, and excellence will continue to guide us. Laurie, thank you for all you’ve done!” – Kerry Smart, Program Manager for Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation & Professional and Career Development
“I have a memory that exemplifies to the core of how empathic Laurie is as a leader and as a person even after the exhausting task of leading through a global pandemic. One day I was in her office to say hello and she asked me how I was doing. I answered in the socially expected way of ‘I’m good’, but Laurie could tell there was more to the story. She reached out and grabbed my hands looked me in the eyes and said ‘Luke, how are you doing?’ and I remember being jolted and feeling like I had been seen by a friend who truly cared and was interested in how I was doing, knowing that there was more to the story. It is this sincere authenticity, empathy, and kindness that I hope to emulate in my interactions every day both in my community, my workplace, and my home. Thank you, Laurie, for being a role model in empathic enthusiastic leadership.” –Luke Shorty, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives
“During my time at Thomas, President Lachance was always a friendly face around campus. She made it a goal of hers to learn every student’s name. I think that shows a lot about her and her love for Thomas and its students. She would always stop you in the hall and chat about how your semester was going and how you were doing. This made an impact on me because it showed how much she truly cared about the community at Thomas.” –Drew Foley ’25, current cybersecurity student
Thank you for everything, Laurie.
This story was originally published in the Fall 2024 Thomas Magazine & Annual Report.