https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywvgu8o7_x4
Arkansas Tech College has taught Jae Thomas the worth of progress the place it’s planted.
“I assumed I needed to do it from Arkansas, in a giant, vigorous metropolis to be really profitable,” Thomas mentioned. “Atu has confirmed to me numerous instances that we decide our success by what we do in our group. We’ve got the facility to achieve success even the place we’re by taking the alternatives in entrance of us. All that’s wanted to really feel fulfilled is to do our greatest to attain our objectives and to make a distinction in our group, irrespective of how large.”
Thomas is the 2025 beneficiary of the Alfred J. Crabaugh Prize as probably the most outstanding senior male pupil at Arkansas Tech. He will probably be acknowledged throughout the spring begin ceremonies at Tucker Coliseum in Russellville on Saturday, Might 10th.
“For me, it implies that all the things I did and everybody who poured into me is honored by this award,” mentioned Thomas. “I’m merely a product of my experiences and the individuals I’ve recognized. Everybody who has contributed to my success deserves to be awarded. That is for them.”
Resident of Bryant, Thomas graduated from Arkansas Tech with a bachelor’s diploma in biology with the biomedical possibility, in addition to a bachelor’s diploma in Spanish arts.
“My lecturers know what I am speaking about,” Thomas mentioned. “I discover it very good to have somebody to go anytime I’ve a query and in addition with out judgment. They have been there and I do know what my place is.
Thomas has been lively within the Scholar Actions Council over time on Campus, together with president in 2024-25. His efforts as a social coordinator within the Life Division of the Campus ATU have elevated the visibility of the actions on campus.
Via this, Thomas used the social media energy to construct group on the asset.
“With the ability to be inventive, taking enjoyable movies, taking footage and exhibiting college students from Campus the very best a part of themselves … permits them to attach not solely with different individuals, but in addition to attach with themselves,” mentioned Thomas. “I’m able to expressing myself via the inventive content material I’ve made to the scholars to get pleasure from, and the scholars get to see the enjoyable a part of the school. They get to have wonderful reminiscences and share their love with their colleagues and themselves.”
A qualifier of Atu Dean’s checklist in every of his semester, Thomas has held further management duties within the Campus Affiliation, within the new pupil orientation program and inside the working group of the Union Recreation and Regressment Heart.
“It’s about understanding your viewers and you’ll join with individuals,” Thomas mentioned when requested in regards to the building of the group. “You want persistence to get individuals on the particular person stage and to see what pursuits them … what they need … what they might rent … and if their wants are met. If they could be a gentle lighthouse for some individuals, that is what I will probably be.
Thomas was chosen by his colleagues as a homecoming king in 2023. After commencement, he intends to pursue a profession as a physician assistant.
“(Attu) has undoubtedly established me for achievement,” mentioned Thomas. “The roles wherein I stepped allowed me to enhance the management abilities, comparable to empathy, drawback fixing, receiving criticism, lack of self and stress administration, that are common in any profession path. I wish to encompass me with individuals just like the asset, who’re genuine, with this. group.
