07/30/2026
Huge congratulations to Dr. Kalifa Thomas on successfully defending their dissertation! ✨
Their research, “Person-Organization Fit: Espoused-Personal Value Alignment and Applicant Attraction,” makes an important contribution to the field of I-O Psychology by advancing our understanding of how value alignment influences applicant attraction. 👏
A special thank you to their dedicated committee for their mentorship and support: Dr. Denise L. Reyes (Chair), Dr. Bradley Brummel, Dr. Kaylee Liston, and Dr. Kevin A. Hoff.
Dr. Thomas shares the following heartfelt acknowledgment:
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for His guidance and blessings throughout this journey. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to my dissertation committee for their unwavering support, mentorship, and encouragement. To my UH colleagues and friends: Thank you for your friendship, encouragement, and unwavering support as we navigated this journey together. Sharing this experience with all of you made even the most challenging moments worthwhile. To my partner, Houston friends, and Trini friends: Thank you for always listening, believing in me, and surrounding me with endless love and encouragement. Your support sustained me throughout this journey. Lastly, to my parents: Thank you for taking a chance on me ten years ago by sending me to the United States to pursue my dreams. Four degrees later, your love, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in me have remained constant. None of this would have been possible without you.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Thomas will begin the next chapter this fall as an Assistant Professor of Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Seattle Pacific University. Congratulations and best of luck in this exciting new role! 🎉
We’re so proud of you, Dr. Thomas! 🌟
