Biographical Text
Professor Emeritus of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Roger Evan Thomas (July 5, 1923 -), distinguished college professor, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of David G. Thomas and Beatrice G. Thomas. Roger Thomas has one brother, Allan David, who is an attorney at law in Manchester, Connecticut. Thomas was graduated from Manchester High School, Connecticut, in 1941, where he participated in varsity football and baseball for two years, varsity basketball for three years, track and field for one year, and semi-professional baseball for two years. After graduation from high school, Thomas worked for one year with the London-Lancashire Indemnity Company and Pioneer Parachute Company of Hartford, Connecticut; then he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve. While in the Navy he attended aviation ordnance and gunnery schools in Jacksonville and Hollywood, Florida, and in Norfolk, Virginia. His service duty included Hawaii, Kwajalein, Saipan, and Alameda, California. He was honorably discharged in 1946 at the rank of Aviation Ordnance Man First Class. Thomas earned his B.S. degree in physical education and health education from Springfield College, Massachusetts, in 1949, where he participated in intramural basketball, Softball, soccer and handball, and played semi-professional baseball for four years. He also earned his M.Ed, degree in physical education and recreation as applied to physical reconditioning, from Springfield College in 1950. Thomas earned additional graduate credit in the summers from Appalachian State Teachers College (summers of '54, '56, and '57), and from Indiana University (summers of '53, '55, and '59). Thomas began his long career (1950-1982) at Appalachian State University in 1950 as an instructor but was quickly promoted up the ranks to full professor and was one of the institution's first two award winners of "distinguished professor" on the basis of ability, effectiveness, and influence as a teacher and a scholar. His principal teaching area and interest was in human anatomy and physiology as related to nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems and the understanding of human movement or locomotion. Another of his interests was in human dynamics in relation to fatigue and work output. This interest led him to serve for 16 years as the university's faculty athletic trainer (1950-1966), and began the development of the current athletic training program in the physical education department. The Athletic Training Facility was dedicated in his name on September 19,1987. Thomas also served as golf coach for five years (1977-82); served as faculty representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association; and, served as member and secretary of the university's athletic council for many years. At the university over the years Thomas served on numerous committees and councils and was a member of many state and national fraternities and associations. In 1959-60, he served as president of the North Carolina Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NCAHPERD), and was program director for the 1975 NCAHPERD convention held at Appalachian. He was a Class A member of the Professional Golf Association, and served as teaching professional at Blowing Rock Country Club (1964-66), and head golf professional at Cedar Rock Country Club (1967-72), while continuing to teach at the university. During the 1976-77 academic year, he served as acting chairman of the department of health, physical education and recreation. He retired in 1982 and was given emeritus status by the university's board of trustees. Thomas has two children and one grandchild. His first child by a previous marriage is David Clinton Thomas (October 24,1947 -). David's son is Anthony David Thomas (May 8, 1965 -), and Shelley Farthing Thomas is Anthony David's mother. Thomas' second child is Heather Brooke Thomas (February 14,1980 -), by his second wife. Vera Ellen Ball Thomas (April 7,1941 in Kingsport, Tennessee -), the daughter of Fred E. Ball (deceased) and Alma Lane Ball. She has one sister, Freda Ball Welch. Ellen Thomas was graduated from Dobyns Bennett High School, Kingsport, Tennessee, in 1959. She earned both her degrees in health and physical education: B.S. from Carson-Newman College, 1963, and M.S. from the University of Tennessee, 1964. She has also earned graduate credit toward an educational specialist degree from Appalachian State. Ellen Thomas was first employed at Appalachian in the department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1964, and is currently continuing in that position. She coached the women's golf team from 1975-82, and continues to play tournament golf. She also finds time to sew and do craft work as well as work with her house plants. She is a member of the Blowing Rock Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church. In retirement, Roger Thomas enjoys rearing his daughter. Heather, with his wife, Ellen, and, of course, playing a superb game of golf. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of First Citizen's Bank of Blowing Rock in 1987. Finally, Mr. Thomas was elected to the Town Council (Town Commissioner) of Blowing Rock for a four year term in November, 1985. This 1987 edition of The Appalachian Faculty Emeriti book is dedicated to Mr. Thomas (please see the Dedication page). Sources: Appalachian State University ftlcs, long association, and personal interviews. - Dr. Richard D. Howe
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