Dr. Jerry R. Thomas
Dr. Jerry Thomas has been a quintessential kinesiology leader whose academic career and achievements include leadership for multiple institutions and professional organizations during his career. He was the President of the AAHPERD Research Consortium in 1980-81, Editor-in-Chief of the Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport from 1983-89, President of the North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity in 1990-91, and President of National Academy of Kinesiology in 1992-93. In addition, when the American Kinesiology Association was established in 2007-08, Dr. Thomas served as the founding President for the organization’s first two years of operation. It is especially noteworthy and fitting that in 2016 the AKA established the Jerry R. Thomas Distinguished Leadership Award in honor of his considerable experience, commitment, and contributions to providing and developing leadership in our field.
Dr. Thomas has been honored with numerous awards including the AAHPERD Alliance Scholar, Honor Award, McCloy Lecturer, and Research Consortium Distinguished Service Award; the NASPSPA Distinguished Scholar and President’s Awards; and an honorary doctor of science degree from Furman University, his undergraduate alma mater. The recognition he has received from these organizations underscores the considerable respect he has earned from his colleagues and professional peers.
Foremost in Dr. Thomas’ academic record is the publication of “Research Methods in Physical Activity,” which is now in its 8th edition. This top-selling text is used throughout the United States and around the world as the foundational research methods text for graduate students in kinesiology. He has also published more than 150 peer-reviewed research papers and 30 book chapters and has shared his expertise through more than 300 national and international research and professional presentations. A current Google Scholar assessment shows his publications have had a huge impact. His work has been cited nearly 13,000 times, including greater than 3800 citations for Research Methods in Physical Activity alone. His research has also been supported by nearly $2 million in grant funding.
