Continental Who's Who

Rance Thomas 2

Rance Thomas is recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Professional in the field of Education and Racial Relations. 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.” The group consists of 25 churches of various denominations, and several non-denominational churches, including Catholic churches. 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. 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. To further his professional development, Thomas is an affiliate of numerous organizations. Having served on multiple committees of the Illinois Board of Education and the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Thomas is also the past president of the SIUE Alumni Association Board of Directors. A lifetime member of the SIUE Alumni Association and a member of the 2009 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame, Thomas is an active member in his community. He 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. Additionally, having been nominated and inducted into the International Educator’s Hall of Fame for “Youth on the Move”, Thomas has earned numerous titles and awards from his community. He also Co-Authored several national and international journal articles, and authored a chapter in a motivational book 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. Throughout the course of his education and training, Thomas earned 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. He believes that the key to success is the desire to make a difference, and always wanting to learn. His hobbies and interests outside of work include writing newspaper articles, performing community service and promoting social justice. He dedicates this recognition to his father, T.V. Thomas.