He also serves as the Assessment Coordinator in the School of Education. Dr. Thomas teaches courses in elementary education and diversity plus he monitors the assessment system for the School of Education. His research interests are gifted African American students; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); and teacher efficacy. Some of his published works include problem-based learning with pre-service teachers, STEM development with pre-service and in-service teachers, and psychological factors towards academic success among high-achieving African American students. Dr. Thomas earned his Ed.D. from the College of William and Mary and, prior to joining higher education, taught elementary school in Virginia.