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Tom Thinnes has been a long time Bronco. Graduating with a degree in history and secondary education from Western Michigan University in 1990, Thinnes began a career path which eventually led him to the College of Aviation. Soon after graduation, Thinnes spent approximately ten years just a hop, skip and a jump from his current office. Working for Sub-Aquatic Sports and Service he combined his love of scuba diving with his passion for education and student outreach. However, after almost a decade underwater, the call of academia encouraged him to pursue his master’s degree.

Enrolling at Michigan State University and earning a Master of Arts in curriculum and teaching, the next journey in his career pathway led to Florida and Brevard Public Schools. During his tenure, he taught fourth and sixth grade, eventually finding a home at McNair Magnet School where he was the coordinator of recruitment and outreach activities. While in Florida, the lure of Michigan kept tugging at him. After five years, the decision was made to move back to the Great Lakes State, where he was fortunate enough to become part of the College of Aviation.

Beginning his tenure in the College of Aviation during the fall of 2009, eventually becoming the Director of Recruitment, Marketing, and Outreach, he has helped the College of Aviation become a destination program.  With a focus on helping to recruit the next generation of aviation professionals, as well as connecting the program with industry partners and College of Aviation alumni, he has helped the program grow in enrollment and engagement.