December 14, 2007
Bowling
Green, Ky. - Whether it’s in the classroom, in his church, in his job or in his community, Jonathan (Joe) Thomas is making a difference in his life and the lives of others.
“I honestly believe that a person can achieve anything with commitment, diligence and a refusal to fail,” he said.
Thomas, who lives in Russellville, will be honored Saturday at Western Kentucky University’s 162nd Commencement as the Ogden Foundation Scholar, which is presented to one graduating baccalaureate degree senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and outstanding university and civic engagement.
“I have had many people invest time and energy into me to help me become the man I am today,” he said. “For this reason, I try to invest my life to help other teens and children through counseling, tutoring and mentoring.”
Being recognized as a WKU honor graduate isn’t something new for Thomas. In December 2003, he received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and was named scholar of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering and received the Ogden Trustees’ Award.
“I certainly feel honored to receive this award,” he said. “This time is more meaningful as the process was changed to include an interview process for one award recipient.”
Thomas completed a second bachelor’s degree in chemistry at WKU this year, but that hasn’t been his only focus.
Thomas works 30 hours a week for UPS, serves as a youth minister at Southern Heights Baptist Church in Russellville, coaches youth sports and is working on his master of theology degree at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (which he’ll finish in May).
“Seminary has been a pursuit to understand and refine the lens I use to view the world, which is an understanding of Christ and his relationship to his creation. My work ethic and compassion for humanity flows from my faith,” Thomas said.
And that’s led him to apply for admission to medical school.
“I did not always know I wanted to be a doctor,” Thomas said. “It has been a process, which evolved from my work with families and children. As a clergy, I spent many hours with families in hospitals with children who have been burned, parishioners with terminal illnesses, and families who have lost loved ones. From this, I hope to continue to minister to people in this capacity. However, I have a desire to help on the front end with diagnosis and treatment of diseases.”
Thomas isn’t sure which medical discipline he’ll pursue. “However, I hope to remain an integral part of my community. Therefore, I see myself serving in a rural community to continue to serve the people who have been so dear to me.”
Thomas credits his parents Billy and Patty Thomas of Nebo with instilling his diligent work ethic. “They were one of the first in their families to go to college so they pushed education as the key to success for my older sister, younger brother and myself,” he said. “Since education is so important, I take my studies seriously.”
His wife, Lindsay, and 9-month-old son Jonathan Franklin Thomas II “lovingly support and encourage me in all I do.”
WKU also has been an invaluable experience. Thomas met his wife and formed many close friendships during his time on the Hill. “It was here I have been equipped to achieve my hopes and dreams,” Thomas said.
“I made a list of goals and dreams when I was in sixth grade. The list has grown to six pages,” he said. “I will spend the rest of my life chasing these goals and dreams with my wife and family by my side.”
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