Renard Thomas
President

Dr. Renard L. Thomas attended Marshall through grade 7 and graduated from Angleton High School in 1972, ranked 12th in the class and the Science and Math Student of the Year.  Thomas has 40 years of diverse professional experience in leadership, corporate policy, decision-making, and political advocacy.  As a 20-year Dow Chemical Company veteran, he was a lead researcher and manager of analytical laboratories.  As President of the Texas Association of School Boards and Angleton Independent School District, Thomas was a national advocate for public school reform and accountability.  Thomas’ greatest passion was his 23 years of service on the Angleton ISD Board of Trustees, where his focus was on improving the opportunity for African American students in the public schools of Angleton.

Professor Thomas chaired the Department of Health Sciences in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Texas Southern University, and his research has resulted in several patents. His nanotechnology research was the first intellectual property commercialization for Texas Southern University. Thomas believes that notable achievements and the possession of great knowledge do not determine a man's worth, but men are ultimately measured by their selfless struggle to serve others and to advance human endeavor.  

In May 2024, Thomas Graduated from the University of Houston Bauer School of Business with a Master of Finance.  He believes that financial security in the minority community requires broader participation in finance, investing, and property ownership. His corporate experience, extensive organizational leadership, and new Master of Science in Finance will provide the knowledge and understanding of more comprehensive pathways to financial opportunities and security. He desires to let the will of God flow through his professional training for the Glory of God's Kingdom.  

Thomas’ Christian oath is to never allow a sense of complacency, apathy, or, on the contrary, blind ambition to be the basis of self-centeredness detrimental to my blessings and the well-being of others.  The most critical work of the Christian is service to others.  Such service and commitment require working and collaborating in high-trust, synergistic ways. The welfare of God's people is in the hands of those who can blend compassion, purpose, and knowledge into pathways by which God's will flows.  Thomas has vowed to dedicate his few remaining productive years to this cause.