Dr. Jack Thomas Male • United States of America

Dr. Jack Thomas, a distinguished academic luminary, has forged an exceptional path marked by unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. With a Ph.D. in English (Literature and Criticism) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of English Education from Virginia State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Alabama A&M University, he epitomizes professionalism and academic prowess.

His journey has traversed various academic roles, from his beginnings as an English Professor to ascending the pinnacle as a College President. His leadership radiates an unparalleled dedication that has left an indelible mark on the academic community. His influence extends far and wide, evident through his pivotal roles on esteemed boards such as the Marguerite Casey Foundation Board of Directors, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Stillman College Board of Trustees, the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education Board, the American Council on Education Council of Fellows, the NCAA Presidential Forum, the Illinois Campus Compact Board, the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross Board, the Rutherford County YMCA Board, and the Ohio Federation for Health Equity and Social Justice, among numerous others.

Nationally recognized for his exceptional leadership, Dr. Thomas graduated from the prestigious Harvard Leadership Program, served as an American Council on Education Fellow, and has been a Kellogg-NAFEO Fellow. He has also participated in the Salzburg Seminar in Salzburg, Austria, and enriched his knowledge through Leadership Middle Tennessee. He has chaired the NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) Selection Committee, chaired the (AASCU) Christa McAuliffe Award Selection Committee, and contributed as a committee member of the Middle States Visitation Team.

Dr. Jack Thomas's most enduring presidential tenure was at Western Illinois University (WIU), where he steered the institution through a challenging fiscal landscape, managing a budget of nearly $224 million. During his tenure, he achieved remarkable milestones, including enhancing diversity, introducing innovative academic programs, navigating fiscal complexities brought on by the state's financial crisis, and fostering growth in STEM and other academic disciplines. His commitment to student success was evident through increased scholarship funding, empowering countless individuals to pursue higher education. His visionary leadership also led to establishing of a presidential institute, fostering stronger ties between the University, corporate entities, the community, and K-12 institutions. Under his guidance, WIU embarked on a transformative journey, culminating in construction of a new campus in Moline, Illinois, and surpassing its multimillion-dollar capital campaign goal. WIU's recognition as a "Best in the Midwest College" by the Princeton Review and a top-tier Midwest Universities Master's institution by U.S. News and World Report is a testament to his enduring legacy in higher education.