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East Central University (³ÉÈËBÕ¾) is proud to celebrate the extraordinary dedication of alumna Janey Louise Thomas, for Distinguished Service, May 16^th at ³ÉÈËBվ’s Evening of Honors and Recognition taking place in the Foundation Hall, located inside the Chickasaw Business Center.  Janey’s unwavering commitment to faith-based leadership, student support, and community service has made a lasting impact on the ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ campus and beyond.

A native of Lone Grove, Oklahoma, and a 1997 graduate of Lone Grove High School, Thomas earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ in 2002, specializing in Early Childhood Education. Since then, she has devoted her life to ministry and student development through various leadership roles across Oklahoma.

Janey’s ministry journey includes serving as Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Ada (2002–2006), Director of Children’s Ministry at Will Rogers Methodist Church in Tulsa (2006–2008), and Associate Campus Minister at the University of Oklahoma Wesley Foundation (2008–2014). Since 2014, she has served as the Campus Minister for Momentum Campus Ministry at ³ÉÈËBվ—an environment where students are empowered through faith, community, and service.

Janey’s influence on campus is felt far and wide. She serves as character coach for ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ Cheer, Pom, and Volleyball, investing in the personal development of student-athletes each week. From mentoring student groups to organizing team bonding activities, providing meals, and supporting students during times of crisis, Janey’s care is comprehensive and heartfelt. She has also been a faithful presence at countless games and events, traveling with the volleyball team and supporting recruitment efforts for volleyball and women’s basketball.

In addition to campus ministry, Janey and her team regularly provide meals and essential support to ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ students, including international students and athletes during school breaks. Her service extends into the wider Ada community through weekly mentoring at Willard Elementary, organizing canned food drives, and volunteer efforts at PAWS, Abba’s Tables, and the Tiger Victory Garden.

She and her husband, Tony Thomas, Site Director at Cross Point on Lake Texoma, were married in 2020 at Ada First Methodist Church. Together, they open their home to ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ teams and share life with students and coaches alike.

A lifelong member of the ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ Alumni Association, Janey’s devotion to her alma mater is evident in all she does. Whether she’s visiting churches across the state to promote ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ and Momentum, meeting with coaches and students, or hosting celebrations and community events, she represents the heart and spirit of ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ in action.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase online at ecok.edu/2025EOH. For more information or to reserve tickets, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@ecok.edu or call 580-559-5651.