Eric Thomas (motivational speaker)

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Eric Thomas
Dr. Eric Thomas.png
BornEric D. Thomas
(1970-09-03) September 3, 1970 (age 53)
Chicago, Illinois
ResidenceMichigan
NationalityAmerican
Alma materOakwood University (B.A.)
Michigan State University (M.A.)
Michigan State University (Ph.D.)
OccupationMotivational speaker; consultant; coach
WebsiteEric Thomas Website

Eric D. Thomas PhD (born September 3, 1970[1]) is an American motivational speaker, author and minister. Speeches by Thomas are popular on YouTube.[2][3][4]

Early life

Thomas was born in Chicago, IL and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Born to a single, teenage mother and after various arguments with his parents and aunts, he dropped out of high school and lived homeless on the streets of Detroit for two years.[5][6][7][8][9][10]

While he was homeless, he met a preacher who inspired him to go back to school and eventually change lives.[9] He also took a job at an Olive Garden on the westside of Detroit.[10] Around this time, Thomas met his wife, De-De Mosley, at the Detroit Center Seventh-day Adventist Church.[10] They then moved to Huntsville, Alabama, attended Oakwood University, and they were married as college students.[10]

Thomas spent twelve years working toward an undergraduate degree at Oakwood and graduated in 2001.[11] While in Huntsville, Thomas preached and set up a program to help underprivileged youth.[10]

Career

Michigan State University

In 2003, Thomas took a job with Michigan State University (MSU) along with a fellowship to attend MSU to complete his master's degree in K-12 Administration with an emphasis in Educational Leadership. He worked as an academic adviser to disadvantaged students at MSU.[10] At MSU, he developed an undergraduate retention program targeting academically high-risk minority students. He also served as senior pastor at A Place of Change Ministries in Lansing, Michigan. Thomas attained a master's degree from MSU in 2005, and a PhD in Education Administration in 2015.[12] 12

Motivational speaker

After becoming known as a preacher and motivational speaker, Thomas founded a company to offer education consulting, executive coaching and athletic development. Thomas has given motivational talks to collegiate and professional athletes.[13][14][15] Lebron James has credited Thomas as part of his inspiration for winning the 2012 NBA Championship.[10][16][17] Thomas voice-overs on ESPN advertisements for Major League Baseball and the National Football League.[10] Thomas has appeared on Fox News to discuss his work,[18] and portions of his sermons can be heard on the track "Intro" of deep house producers Disclosure's 2013 debut album, Settle, Hip-hop/R&B artist Foster's track "Hard Times" in 2016, and on the intro track "Wins and Losses" to rapper Meek Mill's 2017 album of the same name.

Books

  • The Secret to Success (12)
  • Greatness Is Upon You: Laying the Foundation (Kindle Edition, 2014) ASIN B00NTGO41S
  • Average Skill Phenomenal Will (2016)

References

  1. ↑ "Eric Thomas". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2017-04-15.
  2. ↑ Sarumi, Ahrif. "Eric Thomas and Tobe Nwigwe Are Mastering Motivation for Youth Culture". Huffington Post. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  3. ↑ Toren, Adam. "6 Must-See Motivational Videos on YouTube". Entrepreneur. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  4. ↑ Lombardi, Matt. "Video: Eric Thomas' Motivational Speech To NC State's Football Team Will Make You Want To Run Through A Wall". College Spun. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  5. ↑ Allen, Christopher. "Eric Thomas – Hip Hop Preacher". On The Grind Coach. Missing or empty |url= (help); |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  6. ↑ Hayes, Princess. "Eric Thomas 'the hip-hop preacher'". Michigan Chronicle. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  7. ↑ Woodyard, Eric. "Motivational speaker Eric Thomas challenges Burton Bentley students to reach for greatness". mlive.com. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  8. ↑ Rose, Lisa. "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: THE TRUTH OF ERIC THOMAS". emPower Magazine. Archived from the original on 22 August 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Eric Thomas Motivational Speaker – Best Quotes, Speeches & Videos!". Fearless Motivation. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 Rexrode, Joe. "Eric Thomas goes from YouTube sensation to motivating Michigan State teams, and others around the world". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  11. ↑ Leebove, Laura. "Building Success". The State News. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  12. ↑ "Dr. Eric Thomas talks sacrificing "Good" for "Greatness"". wgnradio.com. WGN Radio. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  13. ↑ Gribble, Andrew. "Alabama brings in another big-name motivational speaker on off day". al.com. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  14. ↑ Slovin, Matt. "Motivational speaker Eric Thomas builds rapport with Hoke, Gardner". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  15. ↑ Linafelt, Tim. "Thomas Motivates, Teaches Noles To 'Breathe'". Seminoles.com. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  16. ↑ "Player Motivator". Slam Online. Retrieved 4 August 2015. |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
  17. ↑ Griffin, Leslie. "Native Detroiter Eric Thomas is a Motivational Master". Blac Detroit. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
  18. ↑ DiPiazza, Daniel. "Stop Calling 20-Somethings "Entitled." It's Not True". HuffPost. Retrieved 28 September 2015.

External links

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