BIO: Dr. James R. Thomas

Dr. James R. Thomas is a distinguished educator, pastor, military chaplain, and community leader with an extensive academic and professional background spanning over five decades. He holds multiple advanced degrees including a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Administration, four master’s degrees in theology, education, and special education, and numerous certificates in pastoral care, military chaplaincy, and peace studies.

Dr. Thomas currently serves as Associate Professor of Church and Ministry at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS), teaching a wide range of theological and social justice-related courses. He has also taught internationally in Ghana and at various U.S. institutions, including Union Theological Seminary and New Brunswick Theological Seminary.

His pastoral leadership includes serving in Harlem, Queens, Manhattan, and Minneapolis, as well as in administrative roles such as Assistant to the Bishop and Director of African Descent Outreach for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He’s also deeply involved in advisory and leadership roles across multiple church, educational, and nonprofit boards.

Dr. Thomas had an impactful military career as a U.S. Air Force Reserve Chaplain, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and was actively involved during the 9/11 emergency response in New York.

He has received numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society membership, NAACP Life Membership, and several faculty and humanitarian awards. Dr. Thomas is also a published author, with contributions to books and journals on African American Lutheran history, peace, and justice.