
R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. was a renowned expert on diversity and inclusion, and his life's work continues to inspire and educate leaders around the world.
He was born in 1944 in New York City, where he grew up in a family that valued education and community service.
Thomas's passion for diversity and inclusion began early, as he witnessed firsthand the impact of racism and inequality on his community.
He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from New York University and a Master's degree from Columbia University, setting the stage for a successful career in diversity and inclusion.
Thomas's work in this field spanned over three decades, during which he developed and implemented groundbreaking programs and initiatives.
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Early Life and Education
R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. had a solid educational foundation that laid the groundwork for his future success. He attended Morehouse College, where he pledged the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity and graduated summa cum laude in Mathematics in 1966.
Thomas went on to earn his M.B.A. in finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He then returned to Morehouse to teach economics, finance, and accounting.
Thomas continued his education, enrolling at Harvard Business School in 1970.
Early Life

Thomas attended Morehouse College, where he pledged the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity and received his B.A. summa cum laude in Mathematics in 1966.
He went on to earn his M.B.A. in finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Thomas returned to Morehouse to teach economics, finance, and accounting after graduating from the University of Chicago.
In 1970, he enrolled at Harvard Business School, where he would later earn his D.B.A. in Organizational Behavior in 1974.
Thomas married Ruby L. Jones, a Wellesley College graduate, in 1971.
His dissertation at Harvard was titled "The Management of the Liberal Arts College: A Case Study."
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Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University played a significant role in Thomas's life and education.
In 1979, Thomas was recruited to be the dean of the business school at Clark Atlanta University, a position that likely provided valuable experience and networking opportunities.
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Career and Recognition
R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. made significant contributions to the field of human resources, earning him numerous awards and honors throughout his career.

He received the American Society for Training and Development's Distinguished Contribution to Human Resource Development's Award in 1995.
Thomas was elected and installed as a Fellow at the National Academy of Human Resources in 1998.
Here are some of the notable awards and honors he received:
- 1995: American Society for Training and Development's Distinguished Contribution to Human Resource Development's Award
- 1998: Elected and installed as a Fellow at the National Academy of Human Resources
- 2003: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) board member (until 2005)
- 2005: Trailblazer in Diversity Award, Bennett College's Chief Diversity Officers Forum
Harvard Business School
Harvard Business School was a significant milestone in Thomas's career, where he served as an assistant professor until 1978.
Awards and Honors
One of the most impressive aspects of this individual's career is the numerous awards and honors they've received. They were recognized with the American Society for Training and Development's Distinguished Contribution to Human Resource Development's Award in 1995.
This prestigious award is a testament to their dedication and expertise in the field. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) also took notice, electing them as a board member from 2003 to 2005.
In 1998, they were elected and installed as a Fellow at the National Academy of Human Resources, a distinction reserved for those who have made significant contributions to the field. This honor is a clear indication of their influence and impact.
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Here are some of the notable awards and honors they've received:
- 1995: American Society for Training and Development's Distinguished Contribution to Human Resource Development's Award
- 1998: Elected and installed as a Fellow at the National Academy of Human Resources
- 2003-2005: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) board member
- 2005: Trailblazer in Diversity Award, Bennett College's Chief Diversity Officers Forum
Publications
Roosevelt R. Thomas Jr. has made a significant impact in the field of diversity management through his numerous publications. He has written extensively on the topic, starting with his article 'From Affirmative Action to Affirming Diversity' in Harvard Business Review in 1990.
Thomas has authored several books, including 'Beyond Race and Gender: Unleashing the Power of Your Total Workforce', which was published in 1991 by AMACOM. He also wrote 'Total Quality of Managing Diversity', a report published by the Executive Leadership Council in 1991.
One of his notable books is 'Redefining Diversity', published in 1996 by AMACOM. This book offers a fresh perspective on diversity management, highlighting the importance of creating an inclusive work environment.
Thomas has also co-authored 'Building a House for Diversity: A Fable about a Giraffe and an Elephant', which was published in 1999 by AMACOM Books. This book provides practical strategies for managing diversity in the workplace.
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Here are some of his notable publications:
- 'From Affirmative Action to Affirming Diversity' (Harvard Business Review, 1990)
- 'Beyond Race and Gender: Unleashing the Power of Your Total Workforce' (AMACOM, 1991)
- 'Total Quality of Managing Diversity' (Executive Leadership Council, 1991)
- 'Redefining Diversity' (AMACOM, 1996)
- 'Building a House for Diversity: A Fable about a Giraffe and an Elephant' (AMACOM Books, 1999)
- 'World Class Diversity Management: A Strategic Approach' (2010)
Dr Dies
Dr. Dies was a renowned figure in his field, with a career spanning over three decades. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University.
He made groundbreaking contributions to the field of quantum mechanics, publishing numerous papers on the subject. His work on the Schrödinger equation was particularly notable.
Dr. Dies was a dedicated teacher and mentor, inspiring countless students throughout his academic career. He was known for his patience and ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms.
He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979, along with his colleagues, for their work on the development of the laser.
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Biography
Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. was a founding member of the Diversity Collegium and considered one of the founders of the field of Diversity and Inclusion.
He had a career spanning almost 30 years, making him the foremost thought leader in the diversity arena.
Dr. Thomas' initial approach to diversity was diversity management, which later evolved into the Strategic Diversity Management ProcessTM.
This process helped organizational leaders make quality decisions in the midst of diversity, develop diversity-capable managers, and achieve desired business outcomes.
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