Meet the Vice President of Student Success

Dr. Jackie C. Thomas, Jr. wants to live in a world where everyone has access to a quality education. He currently serves as Vice President of Student Success at Lone Star College-Tomball, where he provides senior-level leadership to the Division of Student Success. Dr. Thomas has over nineteen years of progressively responsible higher education leadership experience during which he has established himself as a visionary and innovative leader with a proven ability to set, define, and accomplish the goals he sets for himself, a team, and an organization. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved with coaching and mentoring leaders, building high-performing teams, and strengthening communities. 

When he’s not working, you can find him: in your local thrift store looking for suits, double breasted blazers and Converse Chuck Taylors or at a festival or concert listening to good music. 
In his spare time, Jackie serves as the Treasurer for his son’s Cub Scout Pack and Taekwondo sparring partner (aka punching bag) for his daughter ;-). 

Out of all his accomplishments, there are three things he is most proud of:       
-Being Melanie’s husband 
-Mia and Jackson’s Dad 
-And Robbin and Jackie’s Son. 

The Division of Student Success Leadership Team

• Henri Dally, Dean, Student Development 
• Dr. Emmitt Carter, Assistant Dean, Student Success  
• Deirdre Hayes-Cootz, Assistant Dean, Student Success 
• Shannon Marino, Director, Student Experience 
• Robbie Richard Rogers, Director, Student Services 

Meet the Dean of Student Development 

Henri Dally serves as the Dean of Student Development and Chief Student Services Officer, supporting the Vice President with student success initiatives, student affairs, student development, enrollment, and wrap-around services. With over 25 years of service in higher education, he joined Lone Star College-Tomball in 2014 and oversees the Student Success and Completion Department, which includes the following units: Admissions & Recruitment, Academic Advising, Career & Transfer Connections, Call-Center, Financial Aid, and Veteran Services. Additionally, he provides support and leadership for student advocacy, student discipline, behavior intervention, FERPA, and Title IX referrals. 

Meet the Assistant Dean of Student Success

Dr. Emmitt Carter serves as the Assistant Dean of Student Success here at Lone Star College -Tomball. He currently provides leadership to the Student Support department, which houses TRIO Student Support Services, TRIO Educational Talent Search, Student Success Institute, and Mentoring programs: Men of Distinction (MOD) and Strong Women Achieving Total Success (SWATS).Dr. Carter has been with Lone Star College for 10 years, and has worked in the field of education for more than 18 years. As a Gallup-Certified Clifton Strengths Coach, he specializes in the following coaching areas: individual, leadership teams, and group sessions. Dr. Carter has a variety of experience coaching at many levels for students, leadership teams, and groups of all kinds. Dr. Carter is passionate about Student Success, he loves creating extraordinaire experiences for students, staff, and faculty. 

Meet the Assistant Dean of Student Success

Deirdre Hayes-Cootz has served in various positions in higher education for much of the previous three decades. Deirdre began her career in higher education at Lone Star College-North Harris as a college work-study student serving in the financial aid office. While her professional career has taken several turns of progressively increasing responsibility and leadership, her heart remains where it began, in service to the students at Lone Star College. Currently, Deirdre serves as the Assistant Dean of Student Success at LSC-Tomball. As a committed life-long learner, Deirdre is a proud alumna of Lone Star College-North Harris. She also received a Bachelor & Master of Arts degree in Human Sciences from Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio. Recently, she completed Master of Science in Business Analytics from UTRGV. Deirdre has participated and presented at national conferences including AACC, ATD, Annual Conference on the FYE, League for Innovations, and NISOD. 

Meet the Director of Student Experience 

Shannon Marino has had a long and dedicated career in higher education and student affairs, with a focus on creating an exceptional student experience. As of 2023, she serves as the Director of Student Experience at Lone Star College-Tomball. Prior to her current position she served as the Director of Student Engagement, a position she held since 2005. In her role, Shannon oversees various aspects of student life and engagement at the college. Her responsibilities include overseeing New Student Programs, which includes welcoming and orienting new students to the college. She is also responsible for Student Engagement, which involves organizing and promoting various campus activities and events to enrich students' lives beyond the classroom. Additionally, Shannon serves as they co-chair of the Strategic Enrollment Management team and is involved in leadership development programs for students, family engagement efforts, and the planning and execution of the college's annual commencement ceremony. Shannon brings a wealth of experience to her role, with over 25 years of experience in higher education and student affairs. Her educational background includes a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Sam Houston State University, which she obtained in 2015, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from the University of Central Missouri, earned in 1994. Before joining Lone Star College, Shannon held several positions at different institutions, including serving as an Admissions Counselor at Stephens College, coordinating conferences and special events within the Student Affairs Division at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), and working as the Program Manager for the Student Center at the Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech). Shannon's passion lies in creating an extraordinary student experience, starting from new student orientation, and continuing throughout their time at LSC-Tomball. Her commitment to student success is evident through her leadership in various areas that directly impact students' lives on campus. 

Meet the Director of Student Services 

Robbie S. Richard Rogers currently serves as the Director of Student Services and has had the privilege of serving students and institutions for over two decades. She currently provides leadership for the Tutoring Center, Testing Center, Disability Services, and  the Assistive Technology Lab. Her career in student services has been marked by a commitment to empowering students, fostering their personal and academic growth, and contributing to the overall success of their educational goals. Robbie holds her degrees from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Master of Science in Counseling and Master of Education in Educational Administration. Robbie is committed to creating an environment that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the evolving needs of today's diverse student populations.