Office of the Dean

James B. Thomas is dean of the Smeal College of Business and professor of information sciences and management. In his role as dean, Thomas has overseen the development of a new strategic focus at Smeal and an emphasis on delivering Extraordinary Education, conducting Research with Impact, building a dialogue with society, and fostering a Community with Distinction.

Before becoming dean of Smeal in 2006, Thomas was the founding dean of Penn State's College of Information Sciences and Technology. In that role he oversaw the college's initial growth and development as well as construction of the landmark IST Building at University Park.

Thomas began his academic career in the Smeal College as an assistant professor and eventually advanced to the position of senior associate dean. His publications have appeared in Administration Science Quarterly, Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Organization Science, and Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, among other top journals. Thomas also has received several research grants, including support to study "Industry Structure and the Role of Information Technology," and "Strategic Alignment."

Thomas formerly served as director responsible for information technology strategic planning for the Office of the Texas Secretary of State and as the director responsible for information management systems for the Florida Department of State. He is a frequent speaker on education policy and programs and has appeared before the U.S. Congress and Pennsylvania Legislatures.

A 1974 graduate from Penn State, Thomas received a master's degree in government from Florida State University and a doctorate in strategic management from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988. He and his wife, Michele, reside in State College. They have three children.