CONTACT
Amanda R. Warfield
University Relations and Marketing
301-860-4311
awarfield@bowiestate.edu

Data Solutions and Technology Founder Speaks On STEM in Higher Ed
Deborah Scott Thomas Appears on Bowie State's TV Show

"There is nothing in America that you can't do if you have the desire and will to do it," said Deborah Scott Thomas, president and founder of Data Solutions & Technology, Incorporated during an interview with Bowie State University's SAS Connections television show now airing on local cable channels.

Thomas shares her personal story about her determination to become an entrepreneur, and her efforts to encourage entrepreneurship among faculty and students at historically black colleges and universities. She led the development of the first annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conference at Alabama State University earlier this year which focused on how these institutions can support entrepreneurship and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines (STEM). Dr. George Acquaah, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowie State University, also spoke at the conference.

Thomas says that she is committed to supporting STEM initiatives. She is currently exploring ways to help expand programs and resources in the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowie State University, specifically in computer science and natural sciences through her company. In addition, her husband, Oatice Thomas, president and CEO of Operations & Technology, Inc. serves on the advisory board for the College.

Data Solutions & Technology, located in Lanham, MD, provides support services to state and federal agencies in management support, information technology, logistics and operations, aviation management, and scientific and technical support. Before opening Data Solutions & Technology in 1994, Thomas worked for a number of Fortune 100 companies and small businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Alabama State University and a master's in public administration from Webster University. She is also a retired Colonel from the United States Air Force Reserve and has received numerous awards including being named one of The Network Journal's 25 Influential Black Women in 2011; the Legacy of Leadership Award from Spelman College; and the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Center for HBCU Media Advocacy, Inc.

The SAS Connections show, hosted by Dr. Otis Thomas, chair of the Department of Communications is produced by Bowie State University's cable television station and airs on Comcast channel 74 and Verizon Cable channel 43 in Prince George's and Montgomery counties. This episode is airing during the month of July, Monday through Friday at 2:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. To view previous videos, click here.

###

Brandon Yancey, a Bowie State University graduate student majoring in organizational communications, was a contributing writer for this press release.

ABOUT BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds who seek a high quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The University places special emphasis on the science, technology, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit the website at www.bowiestate.edu.