Jack Thomas (academic)

Jack Thomas is an American academic administrator who served as the 11th President of Western Illinois University. He was named to the position January 18, 2011, and took office July 1, succeeding Alvin Goldfarb.[1]

Jack Thomas
11th President of Western Illinois University
In office
2011–2019
Preceded byAlvin Goldfarb
Succeeded byMartin Abraham (interim)
Personal details
SpouseLinda
Children2
Alma materAlabama A&M University (BA)
Virginia State University (MEd)
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (PhD)

Education

Thomas earned a B.A. in English from Alabama A&M University in 1983, a M.Ed. in English Education from Virginia State University in 1984, and a Ph.D. in English Literature and Criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1990.

Career

Prior to his appointment as president of Western Illinois University, Thomas held the post of provost and academic vice president at WIU, beginning in 2008.[2] Before joining WIU, he held the positions of senior vice provost for academic affairs and interim dean at Middle Tennessee State University, as well as academic posts at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and South Carolina State University.[3]

On June 14, 2019, he announced that he would be resigning from his position as president, effective June 30. Upon Thomas's resignation, incoming provost Martin Abraham succeeded him as the university's acting president while the Board of Trustees conducted a national search for a new president.[4]

In November 2022, it was announced that Central State University had hired outside counsel to investigate allegations made by five women Thomas created a “toxic work culture” that has included discrimination, slander, demotions and fear of retaliation.[5]

Personal life

Thomas and his wife, Linda, have two sons, Patrick and Darius.[1]

References
  1. "Jack Thomas: 11th President of WIU". Western Illinois University. January 18, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  2. "President Jack Thomas". Western Illinois University. 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  3. Thomas, Jack (2011). "Curriculum Vitae" (PDF). Western Illinois University. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  4. "Jack Thomas Resigns As Western Illinois University President". Illinois Public Media. 2019-06-14. Retrieved 2019-07-23.
  5. "Central State investigating claims accusing President Thomas of creating 'toxic work culture'". WHIO TV 7. 2022-12-01. Retrieved 2022-12-03.


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