Alabama A&M University alumnus John F. Thomas, a longtime educational leader in the Chicago area and former superintendent, said on Apr. 25 that he is preparing to witness a significant moment for Bulldog athletics as Alabama A&M takes the field May 2 at Wrigley Field. The event will be the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Classic held at this iconic venue.
The game is seen as an important opportunity for Alabama A&M to gain national attention and highlight its athletic program on a major stage. “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.”
Thomas graduated from Alabama A&M with a Bachelor of Science in business management in 1987 and earned his Master of Business Administration in 1990. Over more than three decades, he has served as superintendent for several school districts across Chicagoland, including Harvey School District 152, Pembroke Community Consolidated School District, and Thornton Township High School District 205. He also held leadership roles in human resources with SPEED School District 802 and Kankakee School District.
His career includes over two decades with Chicago Public Schools, where he worked as chief area officer, high school principal, special needs administrator, recruiter, personnel manager, and budget officer—always focused on expanding opportunities for students of all abilities.
In addition to his degrees from Alabama A&M University, Thomas holds a Master of Arts in urban education from Concordia University and is completing doctoral studies at Roosevelt University. He also possesses certifications from the Illinois State Board of Education and served eight years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Reflecting on his time at Alabama A&M University’s ROTC program—which he credits with shaping his leadership style—Thomas said: “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 added that these lessons were essential when leading Carver Military Academy: “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 maintains strong ties to Alabama A&M through relationships formed during college: “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.”
As both Thomas’ father attended Alabama A&M—and was also part of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.—he describes attending an HBCU as providing unmatched cultural value: “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.”
Looking ahead to May 2nd’s game at Wrigley Field—which marks another milestone for HBCUs—Thomas expressed optimism about increased visibility for both scholar-athletes and the university itself: “I’m most excited about the national exposure that AAMU and our scholar-athletes will receive,” he said.”It’s a powerful opportunity to showcase Alabama A&M as a dynamic institution for learning,
leadership,
and athletics.”
