Dr. Thomas Grandchildren Scholarship Fund

Dr. Arthur E. Thomas

Activist | Educator | Mentor | Advocate

 

Dr. Arthur E. Thomas, President Emeritus of Central State University and NAFEO Presidential Fellow transitioned from this earth on February 9, 2023.

We grieve and mourn the passing of our patriarch. He was an example of strength and perseverance to all of us. Our lives are rich and purposeful as a result of what he left in us!!

To the thousands of Marauders and well-wishers who loved Dr. Arthur E. Thomas.

 

We extend an opportunity for you to say thank you to Dr. Arthur E. Thomas. Thank you for fighting for me.Thank you for inspiring me. Thank you for exposing me to world leaders. Thank you for letting me in school when I didn't have the tuition and allowing me to earn my degree.

What an opportunity to preserve the legacy of Doc’s love and passion to educate minority students through his heirs.

Your expression of gratitude and love may be expressed by supporting this Go Fund Me Appeal.

The proceeds will be used to support the current and future academic endeavors of Dr. Thomas's grandchildren and a portion will also be used to assist the memorial observances planned to celebrate his life and legacy.

On behalf of the Thomas Family, we would like to thank you for your kind words and acts of condolences.

Who was Dr. Arthur E. Thomas.

 

Dr. Thomas served as the president of Central State University (CSU) in Wilberforce, Ohio from 1985 to 1995, and as a member of the class of 1962, was the first CSU alumnus to lead that school as president. He received his master’s degree in education from Miami University of Ohio and his doctorate of education administration from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

 

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native graduated from Overbrook High School in 1956 and enrolled at CSU after serving two years in the United States Army. Shortly after graduation, he became a teacher in the Dayton Public School District. It was there that he began to further develop as a determined educator who sought ways to elevate the academics of students who were poor and underserved.

 

Dr. Thomas had an eloquent, expressive, and persuasive speaking style that forced anyone within earshot to listen and learn. In the late 60s during the desegregation of Dayton schools, he was an education administrator with the district’s Model Cities program. 

 

In 1985, after earning his doctorate, he began a tenure as president of Central State University that lasted 10 years. During his tenure, Dr. Thomas established a fully accredited manufacturing engineering program, developed a four-year international water resources program, re-established its master’s degree in education, strengthened the band program, the Grammy-nominated university chorus, and its women’s and men’s winning sports programs.

 

After leaving Central State, Dr. Thomas continued his career as an educator, author and highly respected orator. He was selected by Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton to serve on the historically Black college/university (HBCU) advisory board, and he was selected by President Clinton to be an official representative to the first democratic elections in South Africa. He formed a relationship with Nelson Mandela and pledged to bring more students from South Africa to Central State.