Michael P. Thomas

After receiving his bachelor's degree at St. Johns University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and his PhD at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, he moved with his family to Texas in the early 60's to teach at the University of Texas. Dr. Thomas taught at The University for 44 years, serving the institution as Professor, Associate Dean of the College of Education and several terms as the Chairman of the Department of Educational Administration. He also served as Director of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for many years. In addition to his administrative duties, he always maintained a teaching schedule and mentored thousands of students into leadership careers in educational administration around Texas. He was particularly proud that his department was consistently considered to be one of the best in the country.

Dr. Thomas lived in Austin for 45 years with his wife of 52 years Jeanne and their 5 children. He did his part for the funding of education by providing family scholarships for his children who subsequently have earned degrees from UT (2), A&M (2), Rice, The LBJ School of Public Affairs and the Health and Science Center in Houston. In addition to Professor, Doctor, Chairman, Husband, Father and scholarship donor, other job titles he enjoyed were patriarch, gentleman rancher, sailor, fly fisherman, pianist, ornithologist, snow skier, camper, hiker and world traveler.

Dr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Jeanne, his sister Barbara Fiala, his Uncle Ret. Col. James Kiernan, and his children, Susan Kelly, Michael Thomas, Mark Thomas, Judith McGuire, and Laura Huffman. In addition to the children and their spouses he was blessed with 15 grand children: Sean and Kate Kelly, Michael, Meredith, and Will Thomas, Alex, Madison, and Adam Thomas, Jacob, George, and Olivia McGuire, and Hannah, Emily Rose, Georgia Claire, Maitland Huffman.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Theresa Catholic Church on Monday, November 17th at 12:30. A reception will follow in the church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Michael P. Thomas, Jr. Endowed Graduate Fellowship in Educational Administration. Checks payable to The University of Texas at Austin College of Education (Michael P. Thomas in the memo section). Address: College of Education, 1 University Station D5000, Austin, TX 78712-0374.