The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees unanimously elected SIUE alum Randal Thomas as its chairman yesterday during the Board’s meeting on the Carbondale campus. Thomas succeeds Alton attorney John Simmons, who’s appointment to the Board was not renewed.
Thomas was elected six days after Gov. Pat Quinn appointed him to the panel, along with former SIUE professor Dr. Shirley Portwood. Donna Manering succeeds Edwardsville School District Superintendent Ed Hightower as vice chair. Don Lowery replaces IMPACT Strategies, Inc., President Mark Hinrichs as the board secretary.
Thomas, of Springfield, served as the 36th Adjutant General of Illinois, which is the highest National Guard post in the state. He is an SIUE graduate, earning a bachelor’s in 1973 in English and literature and a master’s 1980 in education. He also has a master’s from the U.S. Army War College.
Thomas received his commission as an infantry officer in 1967 and served in the Army Special Forces from 1966-1969. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for valor for his 1968-1969 combat service in Vietnam.
Prior to his appointment as adjutant general, Thomas worked for 30 years as an English teacher, librarian and media director in Hillsboro. Thomas also served on the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission for three years. He is a member of the SIUE Alumni Association Hall of Fame.
Photo
: Major General (ret.) Randal Thomas with SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe at her installation on April 19.