Robert N. Thomas

Robert earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Social Science Education from IUP in 1950. He taught high school geography and science in Oakmont, PA his high school alma mater, and in the Hampton Township schools.

He continued his education while teaching and earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. He returned to IUP as a professor of geography in 1960 and taught until 1969. Dr. Thomas earned his Ph.D. in Geography from Pennsylvania State University in 1968.

Dr. Thomas joined the geography faculty at Michigan State University in 1969 and became MSU’s assistant director of the Latin American Studies Center in 1974 and was named director in 1985. Dr. Thomas directed undergraduate and graduate students in field experiences in Latin America, Cuba, and Mexico.

Dr. Thomas achieved distinction in research on population geography and tourism in Latin America. He served as an urban planning advisor for the U.S. Agency for International Development in Guatemala in 1965 and 1966. He traveled extensively throughout the Central American countries, Mexico, the Caribbean islands, and South America. Dr. Thomas edited three books, authored dozens of articles published in academic journals, and presented more than sixty-five papers at professional meetings.

A founding member of the Conference of Latin Americanist Geographers, Dr. Thomas was also a member of the Association of American Geographers, the National Council for Geographic Education, American Geographical Society, National Geographic Society, and the Geography Commission of the Pan American Institute of Geography and History (Organization of American States).

Dr. Thomas maintained a strong alliance with IUP and Michigan State and was a major influence in the careers of many geography graduates. He started a fund to support graduate students.

Bob is survived by his wife Dorothy of 60 years; 2 sons, Scott Thomas, Bob Thomas and his wife Cari, and their two sons Colin and Connor.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI with the Rev. Andrew Pommerville officiating.

There will be a gathering of friends and family from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Coral Gables Restaurant, 2838 Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI.

Donations should be directed to the GTU fund at http://givingto.msu.edu/gtu.