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App State unveils new sculpture of former Chancellor John E. Thomas
“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. He was a wonderful man to work with, to work for and to know. App State is a better university because of him.”
App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris
“I loved the man. Not only was he a hero of mine, but he was also a mentor. I’m only one of thousands that he influenced.”
C. Philip Byers, UNC System Board of Governors member
By Brian Miller
Posted May 20, 2024 at 8:50 a.m.
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.
“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. He was a wonderful man to work with, to work for and to know. App State is a better university because of him.”
“Thank you so much for this huge gift. The family appreciates it more than we could ever say.”
Dr. Scott Thomas, son of Chancellor John E. Thomas and lecturer in App State’s Department of Physics and Astronomy
“I loved the man. Not only was he a hero of mine, but he was also a mentor. I’m only one of thousands that he influenced.”
C. Philip Byers, UNC System Board of Governors member
“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.”
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.”
As a former App State chancellor, John E. Thomas is remembered for recruiting a first-rate faculty — believing that strong, effective teaching should be supported by research and community service.
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.
“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. He was a wonderful man to work with, to work for and to know. App State is a better university because of him.”
App State Interim Chancellor Heather Norris
“I loved the man. Not only was he a hero of mine, but he was also a mentor. I’m only one of thousands that he influenced.”
C. Philip Byers, UNC System Board of Governors member
John E. Thomas’ App State legacy
As a former App State chancellor, John E. Thomas is remembered for recruiting a first-rate faculty — believing that strong, effective teaching should be supported by research and community service.
Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.
The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:
Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.
The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources: