Dr. Arthur E Thomas

Dr. Thomas graduated from Overbrook High School in 1956 in Philadelphia, PA. After graduating from high school, Dr. Thomas served two years in the United States Army. After honorably serving his country, he enrolled at CSU in Wilberforce, OH and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis on history. He received his master’s degree in education from Miami University in Oxford, OH in 1965 and his Doctor of Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA in 1971.

After graduating from CSU, Dr. Thomas began his career as a teacher, administrator, and coach with DPS. He was a classroom teacher at Irving Elementary School from 1962 to 1965 and at Roth High School from 1965 to 1967 where he also coached football and track. In 1967, Dr. Thomas was recruited to serve as Assistant Principal at MacFarlane Elementary School. There he developed The McFarlane Program Model, covering preschool through the eighth grade. The McFarlane Model received recognition in local and national publications, including Jet Magazine.

From 1968 to 1969, Dr. Thomas worked with the Dayton Model Cities Program as coordinator and then as project director. He extended the McFarlane Model to the Model Cities Planning Council, a grassroots community organization responsible for community involvement, and in two high schools and eight elementary schools in the Model Cities Community. Working with every facet of the community, he personally went door-to-door to invite neighborhood ownership and input. The program received national recognition from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Planning Council, the community, and others. 

Dr. Thomas joined the administration of Wright State University (WSU) in Fairborn, OH, in 1973 as Director of the Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center. He also held additional appointments as Assistant Dean of the College of Continuing and Community Education and Assistant Professor of Postgraduate Medicine and Continuing Education.

In 1985, Dr. Thomas 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 program, strengthened the band program and the Grammy-nominated university chorus, and saw great success in CSU’s 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 William J. Clinton to serve on the HBCU Advisory Board. President Clinton also selected him to be an official representative of 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 University. 

As director of the NAFEO Kellogg Leadership Fellows Program funded by the Kellogg Foundation, Dr. Thomas worked diligently to prepare Black HBCU Presidents. He also worked for an Army Research Laboratory to identify honor students at HBCUs in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines to provide Fellowships for them. Dr. Thomas received honorary degrees from Shaw College in Detroit, MI; Capital University in Columbus, OH; and his alma mater Central State University. He also received an Outstanding Leadership Award from NAFEO for his leadership and courage at Central State University and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Delta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity for his lifelong contribution to bettering the lives of underserved people despite the system. He served as the National Chairman of the World Foundation for the Memorial and Preservation of Goree Island, Republic of Senegal, West Africa, appointed by its president His Excellency Abdou Diouf, and as member of the Refugee Affairs Study Team for the Resettlement of Ethiopian Jews in Israel led by the U.S. Department of State.

Doc was committed to his work, but he also found great joy in spending time with family and friends, political commentary, sports and movies. He served his country in the Army, his community through education, and his family with his love, legacy, and long-lasting memories.

Dr. Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Janie Bradley; brother, George “Turk” Thomas and niece Stacy Thomas. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Karen) Thomas of Dayton, OH; granddaughters, Kara Thomas and Kasi Thomas of Dayton, OH; great-grandson Kingston Townes; nieces Cassandra (Pete) Thomas-Lewis and Joel Jones; and great-nephew Je’lon Thomas. Doc also had a host of other relatives and friends that he dearly loved including: Jason C. Jones, Jr., Sophia Martin, Peter C. Gibbs, Cheri E. Ferrell, Joe Madison, and Attorney Cheryl R. Washington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to Dr. Thomas’ Grandchildren’s Scholarship Fund or Dr. Arthur E. Thomas’ CSU Scholarship Fund. Please visit www.drarthurethomas.org for more information on both scholarship opportunities.

Memorial service 12 pm Friday, March 17, 2023, at Phillips Temple CME Church, 3620 Shiloh Springs Rd. Trotwood Ohio. Family will receive friends from 11 am- 12 pm. Memorial service to begin at 12 pm.  Memorial Service Livestream can be viewed at: www.phillipstemple.org

Final Standing Ovation 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at   Central State University- Paul Robeson Cultural & Performing Arts Center, 1400 Brush Row Rd.  Wilberforce, OH 45384

For more details please visit:  www.drarthurethomas.org

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