In 1998 Dobelle invited him into the administration to become vice president and chief of staff. In that role, Thomas has served as adviser to the president on all program and policy matters affecting the College. He has acted as the president's representative with public and community agencies on initiatives relating to initiatives beyond campus. In the last two years, Thomas also assumed responsibility for directing implementation of the campus master plan, serving as chairman of the Design Review Committee and as principal liaison with the Board of Trustees on matters relating to the design of new capital projects. I have every confidence that the College will stay on track and continue making progress during this period of transition to the next permanent president.
Trinity is in good shape and in good hands.
This makes leaving somewhat easier, though it no doubt will be one of the most difficult things I'll do in my life. Prior to coming to Trinity, Thomas was a member of the English department at the University of Chicago from 1982 to 1990. The year after he arrived at Trinity, he was named Mellon Faculty Fellow in the Humanities at Harvard University for 1991-92. He returned to Trinity to chair the English department and to continue his scholarly and teaching career. In 1997, Thomas was the recipient of the Dean Arthur A. Hughes Award for Distinguished Teaching Achievement at Trinity.