UofSC announces new Vice President for Communications

Larry Thomas, head of Texas external affairs for BP, was selected as the new vice president for communications at the University of South Carolina on Friday, April 24.

Thomas comes to Columbia from Houston, Texas where he lead BP’s external affairs, community engagement, legislative affairs and business support activities for multiple business units in Texas. He has over 30 years of experience in leadership and communication roles at BP where he also lead their brand advocacy and served as spokesperson, crisis responder and community liaison during, and in the aftermath of, the Deepwater Horizon accident.  He retired as a captain from the U.S. Navy after 25 years of active duty where he was a public affairs officer.

A native of Taylors, South Carolina, Thomas has a master’s degree in Public Administration from Valdosta State University and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. In his new role, Thomas will lead central marketing, branding and public relations efforts for the state’s flagship research university

“I am very excited to return to my alma mater,” Thomas said. “The University of South Carolina is a very special place. I appreciate the confidence that President Caslen and the Board have placed in me to lead communications for this great university.”

“Larry Thomas is a seasoned communications and marketing professional and a passionate alumnus of the University of South Carolina,” said President Bob Caslen. “His leadership and extensive corporate-level communication experience will serve us well as we elevate the university’s brand and tell our story as South Carolina’s flagship institution of higher education.”

Thomas begins his appointment as the vice president for communications on May 15, 2020.