As taken from the Central State University website, on July 1, 2020, Dr. Jack Thomas became President of Central State University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) located in Wilberforce, Ohio. Dr. Thomas’ academic experience includes past positions such as president, interim president, provost and academic vice president, executive vice president, executive assistant to the president, dean, department chair, and English professor. He is currently a Senior Fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in higher education administration. Dr. Thomas’ influence on the academic community extends to his service on several distinguished boards including the Marguerite Casey Foundation Board of Directors; the Illinois Board of Higher Education; the Stillman College Board of Trustees; the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education Board; the American Council on Education Council of Fellows; the NCAA Presidential Forum; the Illinois Campus Compact Board; the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross Board; and the Rutherford County YMCA Board. He is a noted scholar and lecturer, as well as a highly sought-after keynote speaker presenting his research and inspirational messages locally, nationally, and internationally. Dr. Thomas is a published researcher, and the focus of his research has been on black males in literature. Additionally, Dr. Thomas is the author of numerous publications and professional presentations including his most recent publication titled, Within These Gates: Academic Work, Academic Leadership, University Life, and the Presidency. Dr. Thomas has been a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion. He has been recognized by Minority Access, Inc. and others for his work with helping to provide meaningful and transformative opportunities for minorities through mentorship and access at various universities. The following are excerpts from an exclusive interview with Dr. Jack Thomas that was conducted on October 27, 2020. Celeste: According to data that I retrieved from the National Center for Education Statistics, which was updated as of May 2020, the national Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) for public high school graduates was 85% and was deemed the highest graduation rate since first being measured during 201011. A closer examination of the data reveals that the ACGR by race is: 92% by Asians/ Pacific Islander students; 89% by White students; 81% by Hispanic students; 79% by Black students; and 74% by American Indian/Alaska Native students. Presented with these high school graduation rates, what academic future do you see for high school graduates, especially Hispanic, Black, and American Indian/Alaska Native students at Central State University? Dr. Thomas: Thank you for your question. Central State University has been...and will continue...offering a quality education for any student of good character who also meets our minimum academic requirements. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2020 37
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