The new John E. Thomas sculpture sits outside the main entrance of John E. Thomas Hall on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University unveiled a new sculpture of former App State Chancellor John E. Thomas on its Boone campus on May 9. The sculpture sits outside the main entrance of John E. Thomas Hall — the building named in his honor.
Thomas first came to App State in 1974 as vice chancellor of academic affairs, before he served as the university’s fourth leader from 1979 to 1993. After his retirement, he returned to App State in 1994 to teach in the Department of Management in the Walker College of Business for the next decade. Thomas died at the age of 90 on Sept. 2, 2021.
John Thomas’ wife, Jan Thomas, far left, UNC System Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers, center, and Thomas’ son Dr. Scott Thomas ’96 get the first look at the new John E. Thomas sculpture on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds
“As a chancellor and as a faculty member, as a member of our community, John Thomas was known for his kindness and compassion, his generosity and his quick wit,” said App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris. “He was a wonderful man to work with, to work for and to know. App State is a better university because of him.”
The featured speaker of the event was Thomas’ close friend, App State alumnus C. Philip Byers ’85, a member of the UNC System Board of Governors and the sculpture benefactor. Byers shared stories of his time as a student at App State under Thomas’ leadership and the lasting impact that Thomas made on his life.
“I loved the man,” said Byers. “Not only was he a hero of mine, but he was also a mentor. I’m only one of thousands that he influenced — mountain boys who were able to get an education because of this great man.”
Pictured, from left to right, are UNC System Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers, local artist Suzie Hallier and App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris with the John E. Thomas sculpture on App State’s Boone campus. Hallier created the sculpture, and Byers is the sculpture benefactor. Photo by Chase Reynolds
UNC System Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers sits with the new sculpture of former App State Chancellor John E. Thomas, which was unveiled May 9 on the Boone campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds
App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris, far left, and UNC System Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers, second from left, with members of the Thomas family at the new John E. Thomas sculpture on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds
UNC System Board of Governors member C. Philip Byers speaks at the John E. Thomas sculpture unveiling event outside John E. Thomas Hall on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Dr. Scott Thomas ’96, son of former App State Chancellor John E. Thomas and lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, gives closing remarks at the John E. Thomas sculpture unveiling event outside John E. Thomas Hall on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris speaks at the John E. Thomas sculpture unveiling event outside John E. Thomas Hall on App State’s Boone campus. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
Several of Thomas’ family members were present at the sculpture unveiling, including his wife, Jan Thomas, and their sons, Brandon Thomas ’92 ’98 and Dr. Scott Thomas ’96, who is a lecturer in App State’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Local artist Suzie Hallier, who created the sculpture, was also in attendance, as well as members of App State’s Board of Trustees.
“It’s very touching to be remembered after so many years, but to come to find out that he was this loved by so many people means so much to our family,” said Scott. “Thank you so much for this huge gift. The family appreciates it more than we could ever say.”
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About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
