September 21, 2006

DEAN JUDITH THOMAS HONORED BY COMMISSION, CAUCUS

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. - (September 21) ~ Lincoln University’s Dr. Judith A. W. Thomas, dean of the school of social science and behavioral studies, has been recognized by two major organizations of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Thomas is one of 50 Pennsylvania women whose profiles appear in the state’s first role model book titled, “Voices: African American and Latina Women in Pennsylvania Share Their Stories of Success.”

Published by the Pennsylvania Commission For Women, Voices aims to help young women learn about overcoming obstacles.

“For over 30 years, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women has served as an important advocate for the women and girls of the commonwealth,” said Leslie Stiles, executive director and who with Marjorie O. Rendell, wife of Gov. Ed Rendell, recently unveiled the publication.

“The message of empowerment delivered in this book complements PWC’s mission to identify and advance the diverse needs and interests of their constituents; to inform, educate and advocate, and to provide opportunities for women and girls to reach their highest potential.”

Meanwhile, on September 29 the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) will honor Dr. Thomas with the C. Dolores Tucker Award, named in honor of a pioneer for women’s rights.

The award will be presented at the PLBC’s inaugural conference of elected officials in Harrisburg. The theme of the conference is “Where do we go from here?”

A native of New Kensington, Pa., Dr. Thomas has provided distinguished service to Lincoln University for more than three decades.  She previously served as professor and chair of the education department and interim vice president for enrollment planning and student life.

Founded in 1854, Lincoln University is a premier, historically Black University that combines the best elements of a liberal arts and sciences-based undergraduate core curriculum and selected graduate programs to meet the needs of those living in a highly technological and global society.  The University is nationally recognized as a major producer of African Americans with undergraduate degrees in the physical sciences (biology, chemistry and physics); computer and informational sciences; biological and life sciences.  Lincoln has an enrollment of 2,278 undergraduate and graduate students.