Everyday student: Jack Thomas

Senior Jack Thomas is a strong believer that growth takes place within community, and that’s exactly what he has found at Harding.

BATTER UP | Jack Thomas, a senior from Little Rock, Arkansas, was recruited in high school to play baseball at the University. “Andy Schatzley, the hitting coach and recruiting coordinator for Harding, hosted my family during my junior year of high school. I quickly fell in love with the campus and what the baseball program was all about.” A marketing and leadership and ministry double major, Thomas has always been fascinated with business and what elevates elite companies over their competitors. “Marketing plays an intricate role in consumer behavior and integrates itself into every facet of business operations. As far as leadership and ministry, I was drawn to the curriculum as well as the opportunity to obtain a second degree.”

INVOLVED | As a member of the baseball team, Thomas was elected president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In this position, he serves as a liaison between athletes and athletic administration, leading monthly meetings with student athletes and administrators. He organized and executed a campaign to expand the Bison Buddies program, which started with a single school and now sends more than 100 student athletes each week to six different schools across White County to promote the value of education. In addition to his athletic participation, Thomas is a member of Honors College, Omicron Delta Kappa, Alpha Chi, Delta Mu Delta and the American Studies Institute of Distinguished Students. Additionally, he participated in Bison Athletes in Training program, studying in Europe during summer 2017.

FINDING COMMUNITY |  Thomas emphasized the relationships and memories made with his teammates and friends will stay with him forever. “Spiritually, Harding has surrounded me with a community that will continue to sharpen me through each phase of life. I am continually amazed at the quality of people who walk across this campus. Above all else, in my time at Harding I’ve developed a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and the community of believers. And for that, I am very thankful.”

THE NEXT STEPS | Upon graduation, Thomas is heading to Washington to serve in the United States House of Representatives as a summer intern in Congressman French Hill’s office. In this position, he will conduct legislative research, speak with constituents, and complete other directed projects. Thomas will utilize his final year of baseball eligibility while earning his Master of Business Administration from the University’s Graduate School of Business.