BOONE, N.C. — Kevin Thomas has been named chief audit officer at Appalachian State University, effective Oct. 19.

Thomas brings more than 20 years of experience in financial, compliance and investigative auditing. He previously served as director of internal audit at both the North Carolina Department of Insurance and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He also served as an investigative audit manager at the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor.

“Kevin brings extensive auditing experience in higher education, along with a strong understanding of the compliance and risk management standards essential to our university,” said Kristen Bonatz, general counsel and vice chancellor of institutional integrity at App State. “His commitment to innovation, collaboration and transparency will be invaluable as he leads our internal audit function and supports the university’s continued growth and responsible stewardship.”

As chief audit officer, Thomas directs App State’s Office of Internal Audits, which provides independent assurance and advisory and investigative services to university units and managers regarding oversight and operating responsibilities. Additionally, he guides App State’s internal audit process, ensuring all reporting obligations are made to the chancellor, the App State Board of Trustees, the University of North Carolina System Office and the Office of the State Auditor, and conducts or facilitates the investigation of suspected fraudulent activities within the university.

The position reports administratively to the Division of Institutional Integrity and functionally to the Board of Trustees’ Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

In previous roles, Thomas led the implementation of audit engagement software, developed internal audit dashboards and established a student internal auditor program. In 2016, he was part of an investigative audit team that received the National State Auditors Association’s Excellence in Accountability Award for its forensic report on Medicaid fraud. He is actively involved in the state’s Internal Auditor Bootcamp program, where he provides instruction and guidance to new internal auditors.

Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Campbell University. He is also a Certified Internal Auditor and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Division of Institutional Integrity

The Division of Institutional Integrity supports Appalachian State University by driving a campus culture of compliance and facilitating the University’s ability to maximize strategic opportunities while minimizing liability exposure. This allows the University to achieve its academic mission and strategic plan while adhering to ethical, legal, and regulatory responsibilities, thus creating a unique environment to comply with the extensive regulations and administrative oversight applicable to operations.

Learn more

About the Division of Institutional Integrity

Appalachian State University’s Division of Institutional Integrity, which reports administratively to the General Counsel, provides universitywide legal, risk management and compliance services. The division includes these areas: General Counsel; Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance; Office of Access and Equity: Disability Resources and Equal Opportunity; Compliance and Ethics, which includes Clery Act Compliance, Athletics Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management; and Internal Audits. Learn more at https://dii.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.