- Biographical Note:
- Joab Thomas was born in 1933 in Russellville, Alabama. Thomas earned three degrees in the biological science with a specialty in botany from Harvard University. Thomas held several academic and administrative positions at the University of Alabama, earning the rank of full professor of biology in 1966, and serving as Vice President for Student Affairs between 1969 and 1975. Thomas was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. In 1975, Thomas became the second scientist to lead North Carolina State University. During his tenure, enrollment passed 20,000 and the School of Veterinary Medicine was established. Thomas resigned in 1981 to accept the presidency of the University of Alabama, a position he held until 1988. Thomas also served as president of Pennsylvania State University from 1990 to 1995. Thomas died March 3, 2014. Related Archival Materials: Joab L. Thomas speech and letter of commendation, 1981, MSS 00115
- Birth Date:
- 1933
- Death Date:
- 2014
