Black Hawk College President Dr. Jeremy Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in higher education. His career has seen him in roles at various institutions in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana. His tenure at Oklahoma City Community College was marked by significant improvements across the college, leading to enhanced student success and a notable increase in enrollment during the 2020-21 academic year, a period when only two higher education institutions in Oklahoma managed to achieve enrollment growth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Black Hawk College, Dr. Thomas leads a diverse and talented team, spanning two campuses and three outreach centers. He is well-known in the academic community, having spoken at many state, national and international conferences, and has offered expert testimony on higher education matters to the Oklahoma and Texas legislatures. Dr. Thomas also is involved with various boards and committees, including Two Rivers YMCA, United Way Quad Cities’ Education Council and Renew Moline.
Dr. Thomas’s academic credentials include Associate of Arts in Music degrees from both Northeast Texas Community College and Trinity Valley Community College, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern State University, a graduate certificate in academic advising from Kansas State University, and a Doctor of Education degree from Grambling State University.
On a personal note, Dr. Thomas and his wife, Rachel, have shared more than 20 years of marriage and have two daughters.
Community colleges play a vital role in workforce readiness and economic growth across Illinois. At Black Hawk College, students gain the skills, credentials and support needed to succeed, while partnerships with local employers ensure communities thrive through education, opportunity and a future built with purpose.
Black Hawk College’s $29 million Building 2 renovation reflects a commitment to student success and workforce readiness. Featuring advanced labs, flexible learning spaces and in-demand programs, the обновation prepares students for future careers while strengthening the region through innovation, collaboration and opportunity.
As the conversation grows around allowing Illinois community colleges to offer applied bachelor’s degrees, Black Hawk College is ready to lead – and our region is poised to benefit.
