Ben Thomas, a former U.S. Army intelligence officer, has been appointed as the new director of the University of Georgia Research Institute (UGARI), effective October 1. Thomas recently retired as a colonel and served as chief of intelligence at the Directorate for Science and Technology within the Defense Intelligence Agency in Virginia.
With over 25 years in military service, Thomas held roles ranging from aviation officer in combat deployments to chief of the Nuclear Disablement Team, focusing on threats from weapons of mass destruction both domestically and internationally. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from North Georgia College and State University (now University of North Georgia), a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia.
Interim Vice President of Research Chris King commented on Thomas’s appointment: “I am thrilled that someone with Dr. Thomas’ experience and reputation will be leading the UGA Research Institute and guiding our research community in working with U.S. mission agencies to address research needs that are vital to the nation. Ben has a wide-ranging understanding of the major federal agencies and how they prefer to collaborate with research universities, along with excellent relationships with these agencies. We look forward to supporting him as he leverages that knowledge to benefit our investigators — and ultimately, the country as a whole.”
Benjamin C. Ayers, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, also welcomed Thomas: “The UGA Research Institute is a critical component of our efforts to build upon the upward trajectory of the university’s research enterprise and our efforts to expand engagement with federal agencies. I am excited to welcome Ben to the University of Georgia in this important leadership role.”
Thomas is UGARI’s first permanent director, succeeding Gene Rhodes who had led since its launch in 2022. Rhodes is also director of UGA’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory; Larry Hornak served as co-director until fall 2024.
King acknowledged their contributions: “Gene Rhodes has worked tirelessly for three years to establish UGARI on a strong footing and develop connections among our researchers and key contacts at federal agencies. I’m deeply grateful both to him and to Larry Hornak for their leadership of this critical unit for the continued growth and evolution of UGA’s research enterprise.”
In his previous role at the Defense Intelligence Agency, Thomas managed annual Science & Technology Operations Guidance by collaborating across operational directorates, integrated intelligence centers, geographic combatant commands, Defense Intelligence Enterprise, and Department of Defense.
Reflecting on his transition into academia, Thomas said: “I’ve been working from the other side, from the requirement owner perspective. Now, I’m excited about the opportunity to work from the capability provider perspective.”
Since its founding in 2022, UGARI has played an important role in improving research administration processes and securing partnerships with federal mission agencies such as Department of Defense, Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Homeland Security, and NASA.
During his Army career, Thomas collaborated on projects at DOE’s Savannah River Site that aligned with activities at Savannah River Ecology Laboratory.
“It’s exciting for me because I knew some of the investigators,” he said. “And I have a feel for how it’s run from the DOE side, not just the Department of Defense side. Each different community speaks in a different language, so this is a great opportunity to translate that and manage expectations on both sides so the pace and focus of the research matches that of the sponsor.”
Thomas expressed familiarity with UGARI’s impact connecting stakeholders so projects meet agency sponsors’ needs. He aims to double partnerships in coming months while fostering more collaboration through events highlighting technology or capabilities.
“We want to put research efforts in front of customers or requirement owners so they can see potential benefit,” he said. “Often they have needs but don’t know where to go or have historical relationships that may not align well anymore.
“These are messaging opportunities to connect right people with right projects—and ultimately expand UGA’s research portfolio and broaden its impact.”
