Get to Know Cory Thompson, Associate Vice President of Administration

Cory F. Thompson, Associate Vice President of Administration was a key leader in implementing procedures for the college’s response to the Coronavirus. From navigating the facilities and sanitation responses for each campus, to working with technology teams alongside NOVA parking for WiFi parking lot resources and even personally driving to gather laptops for the Nighthawk Laptop Loaner program – he tirelessly worked with the Office of Emergency Management to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.

Cory simultaneously started his career at NOVA as well as his education. At the age of 18, he began as a P-14 working in the NOVACard office while also attending classes at the Loudoun campus. He took courses at NOVA in Information Technology, and then went on to George Mason University to graduate with his Bachelor’s in Public Administration with a minor in IT.

Under the guidance of Dr. Mel Schiavelli, Cory went on to take online courses at the University of Delaware for an MBA with a focus in finance. Dr. Schiavelli, who was formerly a provost at University of Delaware, recommended this path saying it made a lot of sense. Cory has served as the Business Manager at the Woodbridge Campus, Director of Parking and Auxiliary Services for the college and his current post as the college’s AVP of Administration.

“Every job I had at NOVA, I applied and interviewed for because I wanted to be in a position to help the institution. I care about NOVA. I was a student here after growing up in an environment where college was not a priority or discussed. Coming to NOVA is an opportunity to succeed, and I express that in my work and with my team. This can be a challenging notion for those not on the front lines of instruction to understand, but we need to put NOVA’s students and faculty first, and I think we kept that in mind during the COVID-19 response,” said Cory. “I have great teams and received a tremendous amount of support from Steve Patterson, Rob Johnson, Mike Blackwell and everyone within the warehouse and mailrooms, to keep the college moving forward during this uncertain time.”

Cory currently lives in Sterling, Virginia with his wife Christie and their two children, Elliot (5) and Emilia (1). In his spare time, he plays chess and darts. He holds time with his family of utmost importance, and enjoys raising chickens and woodworking, maintaining a full-scale woodshop. Just recently over the weekend, he built a Lego table for his son.

Although safety is the first concern, he looks forward to being able to go to a Mexican restaurant again with his family once it is safe to do so again.

Cory Thompson