LSU Alumni Geaux Getter:  Phillip Thomas

Phillip Thomas (2012 BACH ENGR) was an athlete under legendary LSU Head Track and Field Coach Dennis Shaver, who told the team that during a championship season, if the team just competed as they did after a good training session, they’d have a shot at winning.

Thomas carried that mindset beyond athletics, viewing consistent preparation and hard work as the foundation for performing at a high level when opportunities arose. 

That was more than just a coach speaking to an athlete; that was a blueprint that would be the model of how I attacked my professional career.”

Thomas is the first person in his immediate family to graduate from college. As a Baton Rouge native he chose LSU, so he could rely on his already established local support system during his college career.

“As a local kid, it looked, felt, and smelled like tangible success was attainable as long as I did my part,” Thomas said.

Building a Foundation at LSU 

As an incoming freshman, he was able to take part in the Summer Scholars Program, a program created to help students bridge the gap of education between high school and college before the start of their first college semester.

Thomas was a jumper for the LSU Men’s Track and Field team, beginning in 2009, his sophomore year. While at Broadmoor High School in Baton Rouge, he won numerous district titles for track, along with playing football, basketball, and baseball.

“I met lifelong friends during those 10 weeks (of track season), many of whom I still remain in contact with currently,” Thomas said.

Thomas was a triple and high jumper in his “true freshman” season, but dropped the triple jump in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. His personal best high jump during his student career was six feet and six inches off the crossbar.

Thomas said that his time at LSU was critical in helping him prepare for his current position.

A Career Built on Impact 

After graduating, Thomas worked in Texas until moving to the Washington D.C. area in 2022 to work for the Gilbane Building Company. He started his current position at the Clark Construction Group as a senior project manager and corporate affairs in June of 2024.

“I knew that I'd be building America, but I could not have dreamed of the type of impact the built environment would have on my life,” Thomas said.

A big part of his job is building medical industry centers to provide healthcare to communities.

At work, he’s become an advocate for small businesses, even volunteering his time to learn about their business strategies and help owners understand how to successfully scale their businesses.

Thomas credits much of his experience to the people he's met through LSU. When asked what he hopes fellow alumni take away from the LSU network, he shared:

“I want people to understand that LSU alums all over the world are doing great work, and we share that in common. The people that I met during my time on campus and after, are truly remarkable.”

Learn more about the LSU Alumni Association Young Alumni Council.

Learn more about the LSU Alumni Association Geaux Getters.