Feb. 11, 2008

While he was a member of the Bulldog track and field and cross country teams in the early 1980s, Dr. Jackie Thomas was known as a tenacious competitor and strived for excellence both in the athletic and academic arenas. The perseverance he showed has paid dividends in his professional career as he recently was named the Provost at Western Illinois University, where he moved from senior vice president for academic affairs and professor of English at Middle Tennessee State University.

Dr. Thomas was a first-generation college student, along with his sister Heleanor, who also ran track at Alabama A&M, from Lowndes County in Alabama. After finishing his degree in English from A&M in 1983, Thomas continued his education receiving a Master's degree in English education at Virginia State in 1984, and completing a doctorate in English literature and criticism Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1990.

Legendary Alabama A&M head track coach, Dr. Joseph Henderson, says he still refers to Jackie as one of his own sons.

"We have kept in close contact over the years," Henderson said. "His high school coach dropped him off at A&M and said `see what you can do with him.' I think we succeeded."

Thomas is equally complimentary of his former coach.

"Dr. Henderson taught us a lot of values and to strive for excellence," Thomas said. "We always had to carry ourselves as professionals."

Thomas excelled for the Bulldogs running mid-distance and cross country. He was a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) champion in numerous events throughout his career competing in the 800, 1500, and relays. Along with Henderson, Thomas credits strength and conditioning coach Andrew Lee with much of his athletic success as a Bulldog.

"I always tried to surround myself with successful people," Thomas said. "That was an easy thing to do at A&M. I am proud to be a graduate and will always be a Bulldog."