Jamie Thomas-Ward

As Director of Undergraduate Studies, Jamie works with advisors, faculty, and staff within the Economics department to support the undergraduate student experience. She has worked on campus since 2006. She is honored to be a 2026 LAS Academic Professional Award recipient as well as the 2020 recipient of the Racheter MAPLA Impact Award.

Jamie is an Illinois alumna and first generation college graduate, earning her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She then earned her Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Northern Illinois University College of Law and practiced law in Illinois. She earned her Master of Science degree in Education from Illinois State University. She considers this her tour of state schools.

When she’s not working, Jamie loves travel, reading, attending theater and dance shows at Krannert, walking her beagle, and watching British mysteries.