Clarence Thomas, Virginia Commonwealth University

Where you work:

I am a tenured Associate Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. I have been teaching college for 42 years—30 at VCU. I will retire in June 2021.

Where you got your Ph.D.:

I earned my Ph.D. in Media History at the University of Florida in 1990. I am the first man and the first African American to do so.

Current favorite class: 

I teach a variety of history courses, however, my favorite course is one that I created called Diversity in the Media.

Current research project:

I am currently interested in U.S. Presidents of the past who were controversial (like Trump) and how they might have used the media of the time.

Fun fact about yourself:

I love jazz, vocal and instrumental. I was a trombonist from elementary school through college.