Richard J. Thomas, MA

Associate Chair, BABC

Professor Richard J Thomas has been enthusiastically involved with and committed to online higher education since 1999. Thomas’ career in higher education began in 1979. Since January, 2007 Professor Thomas has served the Jones International University students and faculty as an Associate Chair, School of Business. Additionally, he has been a member of JIU’s faculty since April 2000. Currently, he teaches courses in the business communication and business administration degree programs. Thomas also serves higher education as a course revisionist and course developer. The most recent courses developed by Professor Thomas are Interpersonal Communication and Organizational Training and Development.Thomas is currently developing a Public Speaking course and revising a Peace and Conflict Studies course.

He received the 2005 and 2006 Online Faculty of the Year Award from Colorado Community College Online and the 2006 Jones International University Faculty Excellence Award.

Professor Thomas' independent research interest comprises the following topics:

• Interrelationship of new technology, communication, and online learning
• Online learning’s impact on student retention and application of knowledge
• Business communication in the online environment
• Interpersonal communication (both online and offline)

In addition to his experience in higher education, Professor Thomas was employed for eighteen years in various business management positions within the publishing industry. In 1992 he received the highest employee award presented by Scripps Howard. The Total Quality Award was presented to Professor Thomas for his research, development, and implementation of database marketing projects. Upon receiving both national and international recognition for his pioneering business application of database marketing to the publishing industry he made numerous presentations throughout the United States and in Western Europe.