Thomas to Attend Milestone May 2 HBCU Classic at Wrigley Field
Former Chicago Area Superintendent Reflects on Historic HBCU Classic at Wrigley Field
Alabama A&M University alumnus John F. Thomas, a respected educational leader in the Chicago area and former superintendent, is preparing to witness a historic moment for Bulldog athletics as Alabama A&M takes the field May 2 at Wrigley Field. The matchup marks the first HBCU Classic at the iconic venue, placing the University in one of sports’ most recognizable settings.
“It’s a powerful opportunity to showcase Alabama A&M on a national stage,” said Thomas. “Moments like this reflect the excellence and legacy that AAMU represents.”
A two-time graduate of Alabama A&M, Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science in business management in 1987 and a Master of Business Administration in 1990. His career spans more than three decades of leadership in education across the Chicagoland area, including superintendent roles with Harvey School District 152, Pembroke Community Consolidated School District and Thornton Township High School District 205. He also held leadership positions in human resources with SPEED School District 802 and Kankakee School District.
Thomas spent more than 22 years with Chicago Public Schools, District 299, the nation’s third-largest school district, serving in roles that included chief area officer, high school principal and special needs administrator, along with leadership in recruitment, personnel and budgeting. His work consistently focused on expanding opportunities and improving outcomes for students of all learning abilities.
His academic credentials also include a Master of Arts in urban education from Concordia University, and he is in the dissertation phase of completing a doctoral degree in administration and supervision at Roosevelt University. Thomas holds superintendent, chief school business official and general administrative certifications from the Illinois State Board of Education and served eight years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Since retiring in June 2025 following a 35-year career, Thomas remains active as an educational consultant, advising school boards and superintendents.
Reflecting on his time at Alabama A&M, Thomas credits the University’s ROTC program as one of his most formative experiences and a defining influence on his leadership style.
“I was an ROTC cadet during my time at AAMU, and it became one of my most impactful experiences on The Hill,” Thomas said. “ROTC built critical personal and professional skills and enhanced the discipline and structure that have guided my entire career.”
He said those lessons extended far beyond campus and shaped his approach to leadership throughout his journey in education.
“That foundation proved crucial years later as a Chicago Public Schools principal where I led a high school into a military academy,” he said. “I applied the lessons from AAMU’s ROTC program to establish the values at Carver Military Academy. It was truly a full-circle moment.”
Thomas said his connection to the University remains strong through lifelong relationships formed with teammates, fraternity brothers and fellow students.
“AAMU is a family and a community of unbreakable bonds,” he said. “I developed lifelong friendships with my football teammates, my Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers and so many others who continue to inspire and support me.”
A legacy student whose father also graduated from Alabama A&M and was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Thomas said attending an HBCU offered an unmatched cultural and educational experience.
“There is absolutely no experience that compares to the rich cultural and educational footprint of an HBCU,” he said. “Choosing AAMU was about legacy, but it was also about being part of something bigger than myself.”
As he looks ahead to the May 2 game, Thomas said he is especially encouraged about the visibility the event will bring to the University.
“I’m most excited about the national exposure that AAMU and our scholar-athletes will receive. It’s a powerful opportunity to showcase Alabama A&M as a dynamic institution for learning, leadership and athletics.”