- Birth Name: Mary
- Current Name: Mary
- Last Name: Thomas
- Mother's Name: Jennie (Malsom) Thomas
- Father's Name: Adam Thomas
- Hometown: Bowdle, S.D.
- Entry Date: September 2, 1978
Education:
Bowdle High School, Bowdle, S.D.
1977 - Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD - Associate Degree in Social Work
1982 - Creighton University, Omaha, NE - Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology and Sociology
1988 - Creighton University Omaha, NE - Master’s Degree in Christian Spirituality
2006 - St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN - Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership
Biography:
Sister Mary Thomas was born and raised in Bowdle, S.D. She received her associate’s in social work from Presentation College, Aberdeen, S.D., as well as a bachelor’s in theology and sociology and master’s in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University, Omaha, Neb. She did additional studies at St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minn., receiving a master’s in organizational leadership.
Sister Mary walked alongside and ministered with those in need at St. Joseph Church, Mobridge, S.D.; Presentation College, Aberdeen, S.D.; as a campus minister at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., and served as the Presentation Sisters vocation director.
Sister Mary is an active member of various committees and directed many successful retreats and outreach projects. She was instrumental in beginning the Presentation Sisters Leadership Camp for Junior High Girls.
In her spare time, Sister Mary enjoys being outdoors, doing puzzles, reading and spending time with family and friends.
1982-1984 - St. Joseph, Mobridge, SD - Youth and Native American Minister
1984-1989 - Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD - Campus Minister and Residence Hall Director
1989-1994 - St. Thomas Aquinas, West Lafayette, IN - Spiritual Life Director
1994-1995 - Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD – Researcher
1995-2004 - Presentation Heights, Aberdeen, SD - Grant Writer and Vocation Director
2014-2018 - Leadership Council
2018-2022 - Congregational Vice President
2006-Present - Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD - Senior Vice President of Mission Service
2022-Present - Congregational President