Arkansas Tech University taught Jae Thomas the value of growing where one is planted.
“I used to think I needed to make it out of Arkansas, into a big, bustling city in order to truly be successful,” said Thomas. “ATU has proven to me countless times that we determine our success by what we make of our community. We have the power to be successful right where we are by seizing the opportunities in front of us. All it takes to feel fulfilled is to do our own personal best to reach our goals and make a difference in our community, no matter how large or small it may be.”
Thomas is the 2025 recipient of the Alfred J. Crabaugh Award as the most outstanding senior male student at Arkansas Tech. He will be recognized during ATU spring commencement ceremonies at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday, May 10.
“To me, it means that everything I’ve done and everybody who has poured into me is being honored by this award,” said Thomas. “I am simply a product of my experiences and the people I’ve met. Everybody that has contributed to my success deserves to be awarded as well. This is for them.”
A resident of Bryant, Thomas is graduating from Arkansas Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with the biomedical option as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish.
“My professors know what they’re talking about,” said Thomas. “It feels really nice to have someone to go to anytime I have a question, and free of judgment as well. They’ve been there, and they know what my position is. They know that I’m here to learn. They see my enthusiasm about the sciences and about Spanish. It feels really good to have someone in my corner who really wants me to learn. We get a lot of faculty one-on-one time, and I really like that. It’s made me a better student.”
Thomas has been active in ATU Student Activities Board throughout his time on campus, including service as president in 2024-25. His efforts as social media coordinator in the ATU Department of Campus Life have increased the visibility of on-campus activities.
Through it all, Thomas has utilized the power of social media to build community at ATU.
“Being able to be creative, make fun videos, take photos and show students on campus the best side of themselves…it allows them to connect with not only other people, but also to connect with themselves,” said Thomas. “I’m able to express myself through the creative content that I put out for students to enjoy, and the students get to see the fun side of college. They get to have amazing memories and share the love with their peers and themselves.”
An ATU Dean’s List qualifier in each of his semesters, Thomas has held additional on-campus leadership responsibilities in Black Student Association, in the new student orientation program and on the student union and recreation center task force.
“It’s about knowing your audience and being able to connect with people,” said Thomas when asked about building community. “You need the patience to get with people on an individual level and see what they’re interested in…what they want…what would engage them…and if their needs are being met. If I can be a beacon of light for some people, that’s what I’m going to be. That’s what I want to do, and I hope that other people can have the privilege to wake up and choose joy as well.”
Thomas was elected by his peers as ATU Homecoming king in 2023. After graduation, he plans on pursuing a career as a physician assistant.
“(ATU) has undoubtedly set me up for success,” said Thomas. “The roles I stepped into allowed me to refine leadership skills such as empathy, problem-solving, receiving criticism, selflessness and stress management, which are universal in any career path. I want to continue to surround myself with ATU-like people who are genuine, hospitable and ambitious. These are people you can connect with easily…that really value that sense of community. They know what they want for themselves…they know what they want for their future. ATU-like people are some of the best people.”
