Central State University has hired Dr. Jack Thomas to be its new president. “I’m honored to take this position,” Thomas said. “This is a great birthday gift.” The university announced Thomas’ hiring on Feb. 7, 2020, which happened to be Thomas’ 59th birthday.
Thomas previously worked at Western Illinois University for eight years as its president. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Alabama A & M University, a master’s degree in English education from Virginia State University, and a Ph.D. in English literature and criticism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Thomas said he hopes to increase student enrollment, improve the graduation rate, make the student body more diverse, and elevate not only the university but its students. “We will make Central State a great university,” he said.
Student Jaylen Johnson expressed mixed feelings about the new president. “I’m curious to see what Dr. Thomas is going to do for Central State,” he said. Johnson said that he researched Thomas and learned that Thomas had had a challenging tenure at Western Illinois.
The state of Illinois experienced a serious budget crisis during Thomas’ time at Western Illinois and enrollment at the university plummeted. Thomas trimmed staff and faculty positions and cut some academic programs. “I want him to bring in money and resources for the school. I want him to raise the standards here at CSU, but still keep the HBCU culture,” Johnson said.
Central State Board of Trustees Chairman Mark Hatcher said that he’s confident that Thomas has the experience to lead the university. “I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “Central State University has never had a former president become a president.”
Thomas will take office and begin his journey here at CSU July 1, 2020.