GSSM hires Hunter Thomas to spearhead marketing and communications
August 3, 2022
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) has hired Darlington native, Hunter Thomas to serve as the Marketing and Communications Manager.
Thomas brings more than 12 years of marketing and public relations experience to GSSM. Throughout his career, he has worked in higher education, NASCAR, and he has freelanced for several Pee Dee and Grand Strand media outlets.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join GSSM,” said Thomas. “I’ve lived in Darlington County my entire life, and I absolutely love the state of South Carolina. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to begin telling GSSM’s story.”
Thomas looks to strengthen GSSM’s social media and digital media presence, as well as the overall marketing efforts by implementing an innovative strategic content marketing plan. The Marketing and Communications Department will also work with GSSM’s Leadership Team to develop a Marketing Master Plan that will support the mission and vision of the school’s overall Strategic Plan.
“We were looking for someone with a passion for their work and an appreciation for GSSM’s mission to find and develop exceptional students,” said GSSM CIO Jon Shannon. “Hunter connected early on with our mission and brings a lot of energy and a deep portfolio of experience and connections to GSSM. We are excited to build new ways of engaging with people who want to learn more about the school and be a part of the great things happening here.”
Thomas most recently worked at Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC), where he served as the Public Information Specialist. Thomas grew the college’s social media following, spearheaded the digital media content creation and graphic design and assisted with the public relations efforts. Thomas has also spent more than 12 years working in NASCAR as a journalist and photographer.
Thomas earned a B.A. in Mass Communications from Francis Marion University in 2012, and a M.S. in Management and Leadership from Coker University in 2021.
About GSSM
One of the few specialized public residential high schools of its kind, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science + Mathematics (GSSM) exists to push motivated young learners beyond their perceived levels of academic ability. Founded in 1988 under the leadership of the late Governor Carroll Campbell, GSSM has consistently raised the bar for STEM education in the Palmetto State. GSSM’s two-year residential high school program—as well as its virtual high school program, summer camps, and outreach programs—all invite young people to explore the subjects they love in a diverse, inclusive, and uncommonly supportive academic environment. Here, challenge is viewed as a gateway to opportunity. GSSM students embrace the school’s rigorous approach to education and in so doing begin to realize their full potential. Learn more by visiting www.scgssm.org.
