Dr. Jack Thomas

From the classrooms of Alabama A&M University to the highest echelons of academic leadership, Dr. Jack Thomas's career is a compelling exemplar of dedication, scholarly insight, and integrity. After attaining his Bachelor of Arts in English, he continued to enrich his academic profile with a Master's degree in English Education from Virginia State University and a Ph.D. in English with a specialization in Literature and Criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Navigating diverse roles from English Professor to President of a College, his indomitable commitment and versatile skill set have come to the fore. At each stage, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to contribute substantively to educational environments, drawing from his deep knowledge, unwavering ethical standards, and a work ethic that sets him apart from his peers.

The pinnacle of his esteemed career was his presidency at Western Illinois University (WIU). His tenure there came at a time of financial instability for Illinois, which presented a complex array of fiscal challenges. Tasked with overseeing a budget that approached $224 million, he enacted a series of transformative initiatives. These ranged from diversifying the student body and creating innovative academic programs to forging crucial partnerships with corporations and educational entities at the community and K-12 levels. Noteworthy is his financial savvy during the economic downturn in Illinois. Under his stewardship, financial equilibrium was maintained, and a new campus was inaugurated in Moline, Illinois. Concurrently, he guided the university toward achieving a multi-million-dollar fundraising target. These initiatives culminated in WIU being recognized as a 'Best in the Midwest College' by Princeton Review and ranking as a top-tier Midwest Master's institution by U.S. News and World Report.

Sheen Magazine