Matthew E. Thomas

Company Overview: Black Student Advising Centre (BSAC), Halifax, NS

• Provide one-on-one and group advising to over 150 Black students annually across Dalhousie and the University of King’s College, supporting academic success, leadership development, wellness, and cultural affirmation.
• Developed and delivered orientation and transition programming for over 70 new-to-Dalhousie students of African descent, including targeted sessions for African Nova Scotian learners.
• Designed and executed 15+ culturally responsive programs/events annually focused on education, mental health, identity, and community engagement, with consistently high participation and feedback scores.
• Oversee Centre operations, serving an average of 200+ student visits per month, including use of study rooms, computer labs, and lounge spaces.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised a team of 5 student staff, providing ongoing mentorship, coaching, and leadership development.
• Facilitated 60+ referrals to key support services, including mental health counselling, academic support, and financial aid, ensuring holistic wellness.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to ensure student needs and voices are represented across the university.
• Represent BSAC on university equity committees and scholarship selection panels.
• Sit on the Anti-Oppression and Decolonization Committee and African Nova Scotian Advisory Council, supporting policy and strategy.
• Support oversight and implementation of Dalhousie’s African Nova Scotian Strategy.
• Black Student Advising Centre (BSAC), Halifax, NS

• Led multi-ethnic ministry and racial reconciliation initiatives, creating and reviewing church policies and practices around diversity and inclusion. Made recommendations on how church implements Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations.
• Delivered anti-racism, cultural competence, and unconscious bias training to staff and board members.
• Organized inclusive programming, advocacy campaigns, and partnerships with local justice and equity organizations.
• Supervised staff, provided pastoral care, and implemented outreach programs for marginalized groups.
• Developed media including a diversity-focused podcast and educational events.

• Developed culturally informed mentorship and anti-human trafficking programs for youth.
• Led community outreach, supported marginalized residents, and oversaw a multi-campus expansion.
• Recruited and trained volunteers; managed a $400K annual budget.
• Advocated on systemic issues including racism, poverty, and criminal justice reform.

• Oversaw Restorative Justice programming and led a team of 9 caseworkers.
• Built partnerships with justice stakeholders, facilitated cases, and evaluated program effectiveness.
• Delivered community-based programming for justice-involved youth in East Preston.