Rance Thomas is recognized by Continental Who's Who

FLORISSANT, Mo., Feb. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rance Thomas is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a 2018 Professional of The Year in the field of Education and Racial Relations in recognition of his role as President of North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice .   

North County Church's Uniting is a "faith based multi-racial initiative addressing the moral, ethical, and theological issues arising from the evils of racism. This includes addressing the personal, social, economic, institutional and public expressions of racism within our community."  NCCU currently consists of 24 churches of various denominations and non-denominations. In an effort to combat the racial tensions that have arisen within the church and community, NCCU hopes to develop a harmonious community and unite churches and police departments across the regional area.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force for twenty years, Thomas overcame adversity and racism within the force.  After extensive travel throughout the United States, Thomas served in England for nine years and France for approximately two years.  During his stay in Europe, Thomas notes that his experiences gave him a different perspective on life.  Co-founder and President, of North County Churches since 1998, a nationally recognized religious group whose mission is to unite people for racial harmony and justice, Thomas has amassed over sixty years of experience within the industry.

With over  30 years as a faculty member in the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department, and having served as the Lead Faculty Coordinator of Sociology at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois, Thomas specializes in finding the root causes and solutions to racial issues. Prior to organizing North County Churches, Thomas became the first person in the College's history to be granted the Professor Emeritus Award when he retired in 2002. He was honored with an endowed Rance Thomas Scholarship for Criminal Justice Students.

In looking to the future, Thomas hopes to make a difference in the lives of others.  Thomas notes that "It is important to do whatever we can during our lifetime.  We are only here for a short period of time and do not have a second chance.  Further, whatever material things we are able to accumulate, we cannot take them with us; however, whatever we do during our life can make a difference and will be remembered."

To further his professional development, Thomas is an affiliate of several organizations including the Illinois Board of Education and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Past president of the SIUE Alumni Association Board of Directors, Thomas is a lifetime member of the SIUE Alumni Association and a member of the 2009 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame.  An active member of his local community, Thomas maintains affiliations with the Illinois Urban League, the Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial, and is a part of the advisory board of the SSM Depaul Health Center. 

In recognition of his professional accolades, Thomas has been nominated and inducted into the International Educator's Hall of Fame for "Youth on the Move." A renowned scholar, Thomas has Co-Authored several national and international journal articles, and authored a chapter, (Journey to Success) in a motivational book, After the Academy,for students at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville (Journey to Success).  He has been an ordained Elder within the Presbyterian Church (USA) for over 20 years and has served in many leadership roles within the Church including Moderator of the Synod of Mid-America in Kansas, which represented more than 500 churches.

Throughout the course of his education and training, Thomas attained his Bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska (Omaha, 1968), before going on to obtain his Ph.D. in Sociology and Criminal Justice at St. Louis University. Thomas also attained his Master's degree in Sociology from Southern Illinois University.

When asked his advice to newcomers in the industry, Thomas stresses the importance of never giving up and attributing his success to his desire to make a difference, and always wanting to learn.

When he is not working, Thomas enjoys writing newspaper articles, participating in bible studies, performing community service. Serving the Presbyterian Church, and promoting social justice.

He dedicates this recognition to his father, T.V. Thomas, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and my former Professor, Dr. Robert Lauer.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who

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