Dr. Clarence Thomas

Office: Temple 2203-D
Phone: (804) 827-3772
Email: cwthomas@vcu.edu

Dr. Clarence W. Thomas is a tenured Associate Professor of Mass Communications in the VCU School of Mass Communications.

He holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communications with a specialty in Media History from the University of Florida, an M.S. in Television/Radio from Syracuse University, and a B.A. (with honors) in Mass Media Arts from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University).

Dr. Thomas teaches, and provides criticism and commentary, in the areas of media history, media ethics and media and society.

Highlights of his work include:

• Design, development and teaching of MASC/AFAM 474 Minorities in the Mass Media, the first media diversity course offered by the School.
• Planning and development of a minor in Media Studies.
• Service as the Director of Graduate Studies for ten years (1992-2002).
• Service as the Vice President of the VCU Black Education Association (BEA).

Prior to working at VCU, he served as the Coordinator (Administrator) of the Mass Communications academic program at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). There he developed and taught the initial mass communications courses, developed a minor in mass communications, and implemented a major in mass communications (now a major and department). In addition, he founded and served as General Manager for the WSSU radio station WSNC-FM.

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. Thomas began his broadcast career at WTAR-TV (now WTKR-TV) and WHOV-FM.