Changes
{{Infobox person
| name =
|image = Dr. Eric Thomas.png
|alt =
|birth_name = Eric D. Thomas
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|09|03}}
|birth_place = [[Chicago, Illinois]]
|residence = [[Michigan]]
|nationality = American
|alma_mater = [[Oakwood University]] <small>([[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]])</small> <br> [[Michigan State University]] <small>([[Master of Arts|M.A.]])</small> <br> [[Michigan State University]] <small>([[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]])</small>
|occupation = Motivational speaker; consultant; coach
|known_for =
|notable_works =
|spouse =
|partner =
|children =
|parents =
|website = [http://etinspires.com/ Eric Thomas Website]
}}
'''Eric D. Thomas''' PhD (born September 3, 1970<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/pg/THEHIPHOPPREACHER/about/|title=Eric Thomas|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-04-15}}</ref>) is an [[Americans|American]] motivational speaker, author and minister. Speeches by Thomas are popular on [[YouTube]].<ref name=sarumi>{{cite web|last1=Sarumi|first1=Ahrif|title=Eric Thomas and Tobe Nwigwe Are Mastering Motivation for Youth Culture|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ahrif-sarumi/eric-thomas-and-tobe-nwig_b_5591312.html|publisher=Huffington Post|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Toren|first1=Adam|title=6 Must-See Motivational Videos on YouTube|url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/248811|publisher=Entrepreneur|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lombardi|first1=Matt|title=Video: Eric Thomas’ Motivational Speech To NC State’s Football Team Will Make You Want To Run Through A Wall|url=http://collegespun.com/acc/nc-state-acc/video-eric-thomas-motivational-speech-to-nc-states-football-team-will-make-you-want-to-run-through-a-wall|publisher=College Spun|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref>
==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.<ref name=grind>{{cite web|last1=Allen|first1=Christopher|title=Eric Thomas – Hip Hop Preacher|publisher=On The Grind Coach|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Hayes|first1=Princess|title=Eric Thomas ‘the hip-hop preacher’|url=http://michronicleonline.com/2015/07/30/work-while-you-wait/|website=[[Michigan Chronicle]]|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Woodyard|first1=Eric|title=Motivational speaker Eric Thomas challenges Burton Bentley students to reach for greatness|url=http://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/index.ssf/2013/03/speaker_eric_thomas_challenges.html|website=[[mlive.com]]|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=empower>{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Lisa |title=MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: THE TRUTH OF ERIC THOMAS |url=http://www.empowermagazine.com/mission-accomplished-the-truth-of-eric-thomas/ |website=emPower Magazine |accessdate=4 August 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822193427/http://www.empowermagazine.com/mission-accomplished-the-truth-of-eric-thomas/ |archivedate=22 August 2015 |df= }}</ref><ref name=fearless>{{cite web|title=Eric Thomas Motivational Speaker – Best Quotes, Speeches & Videos!|url=http://www.fearlessmotivation.com/2015/05/16/eric-thomas-motivational-speaker/|publisher=Fearless Motivation|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=rexrode>{{cite web|last1=Rexrode|first1=Joe|title=Eric Thomas goes from YouTube sensation to motivating Michigan State teams, and others around the world|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20140302/SPORTS07/303020078/michigan-state-spartans-eric-thomas-motivational-speaker|publisher=[[Detroit Free Press]]|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref>
While he was homeless, he met a preacher who inspired him to go back to school and eventually change lives.<ref name=fearless/> He also took a job at an [[Olive Garden]] on the [[westside of Detroit]].<ref name=rexrode/> Around this time, Thomas met his wife, De-De Mosley, at the Detroit Center [[Seventh-day Adventist]] Church.<ref name=rexrode/> They then moved to [[Huntsville, Alabama]], attended [[Oakwood University]], and they were married as college students.<ref name=rexrode/>
Thomas spent twelve years working toward an undergraduate degree at Oakwood and graduated in 2001.<ref name="leebove">{{cite web|last1 = Leebove|first1 = Laura|title = Building Success|url = http://statenews.com/article/2008/02/building_success|publisher = [[The State News]]|accessdate = 4 August 2015}}</ref> While in Huntsville, Thomas preached and set up a program to help underprivileged youth.<ref name=rexrode/>
==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.<ref name=rexrode/> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr. Eric Thomas talks sacrificing "Good" for "Greatness"|url=http://wgnradio.com/2015/06/08/06-07-15-dr-eric-thomas-talks-sacrificing-good-for-greatness/|website=wgnradio.com|publisher=WGN Radio|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gribble|first1=Andrew|title=Alabama brings in another big-name motivational speaker on off day|url=http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2014/08/alabama_brings_in_another_big-.html|website=al.com|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=daily>{{cite web|last1=Slovin|first1=Matt|title=Motivational speaker Eric Thomas builds rapport with Hoke, Gardner|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/motivational-speaker-eric-thomas-builds-rapport-hoke-gardner|publisher=The Michigan Daily|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Linafelt|first1=Tim|title=Thomas Motivates, Teaches Noles To 'Breathe'|url=http://www.seminoles.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=210348335|publisher=Seminoles.com|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref> Lebron James has credited Thomas as part of his inspiration for winning the 2012 NBA Championship.<ref name=rexrode/><ref name=slam>{{cite web|first1=Slam Staff|title=Player Motivator|url=http://www.slamonline.com/nba/eric-thomas-player-motivator/#fOd9lOEMGD5rIioF.97|publisher=Slam Online|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=blac>{{cite web|last1=Griffin|first1=Leslie|title=Native Detroiter Eric Thomas is a Motivational Master|url=http://www.blacdetroit.com/BLAC-Detroit/February-2013/Motivational-Master/|publisher=Blac Detroit|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref> Thomas voice-overs on ESPN advertisements for Major League Baseball and the National Football League.<ref name=rexrode/> Thomas has appeared on [[Fox News]] to discuss his work,<ref>{{cite web|last1=DiPiazza|first1=Daniel|title=Stop Calling 20-Somethings "Entitled." It's Not True.|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-dipiazza/stop-calling-20somethings_b_8096966.html|publisher=HuffPost|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref> and portions of his sermons can be heard on the track "Intro" of deep house producers [[Disclosure (band)|Disclosure's]] 2013 debut album, [[Settle (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 [[Wins & Losses|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==
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/etthehiphoppreacher Eric Thomas]'s [[YouTube]] channel
*[https://twitter.com/ericthomasbtc Eric Thomas] on [[Twitter]]
*[https://www.facebook.com/THEHIPHOPPREACHER ET The Hip Hop Preacher] on [[Facebook]]
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Eric}}
[[Category:Writers from Detroit]]
[[Category:Motivational speakers]]
[[Category:American motivational writers]]
[[Category:American motivational speakers]]
[[Category:Oakwood University alumni]]
[[Category:Michigan State University alumni]]
[[Category:African-American academics]]
[[Category:African-American writers]]
[[Category:American writers]]
[[Category:African-American Christians]]
[[Category:African-American businesspeople]]
[[Category:American businesspeople]]
[[Category:African-American philosophers]]
[[Category:American philosophers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1970 births]]
| name =
|image = Dr. Eric Thomas.png
|alt =
|birth_name = Eric D. Thomas
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|09|03}}
|birth_place = [[Chicago, Illinois]]
|residence = [[Michigan]]
|nationality = American
|alma_mater = [[Oakwood University]] <small>([[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]])</small> <br> [[Michigan State University]] <small>([[Master of Arts|M.A.]])</small> <br> [[Michigan State University]] <small>([[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]])</small>
|occupation = Motivational speaker; consultant; coach
|known_for =
|notable_works =
|spouse =
|partner =
|children =
|parents =
|website = [http://etinspires.com/ Eric Thomas Website]
}}
'''Eric D. Thomas''' PhD (born September 3, 1970<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/pg/THEHIPHOPPREACHER/about/|title=Eric Thomas|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-04-15}}</ref>) is an [[Americans|American]] motivational speaker, author and minister. Speeches by Thomas are popular on [[YouTube]].<ref name=sarumi>{{cite web|last1=Sarumi|first1=Ahrif|title=Eric Thomas and Tobe Nwigwe Are Mastering Motivation for Youth Culture|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ahrif-sarumi/eric-thomas-and-tobe-nwig_b_5591312.html|publisher=Huffington Post|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Toren|first1=Adam|title=6 Must-See Motivational Videos on YouTube|url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/248811|publisher=Entrepreneur|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Lombardi|first1=Matt|title=Video: Eric Thomas’ Motivational Speech To NC State’s Football Team Will Make You Want To Run Through A Wall|url=http://collegespun.com/acc/nc-state-acc/video-eric-thomas-motivational-speech-to-nc-states-football-team-will-make-you-want-to-run-through-a-wall|publisher=College Spun|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref>
==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.<ref name=grind>{{cite web|last1=Allen|first1=Christopher|title=Eric Thomas – Hip Hop Preacher|publisher=On The Grind Coach|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Hayes|first1=Princess|title=Eric Thomas ‘the hip-hop preacher’|url=http://michronicleonline.com/2015/07/30/work-while-you-wait/|website=[[Michigan Chronicle]]|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Woodyard|first1=Eric|title=Motivational speaker Eric Thomas challenges Burton Bentley students to reach for greatness|url=http://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/index.ssf/2013/03/speaker_eric_thomas_challenges.html|website=[[mlive.com]]|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=empower>{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Lisa |title=MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: THE TRUTH OF ERIC THOMAS |url=http://www.empowermagazine.com/mission-accomplished-the-truth-of-eric-thomas/ |website=emPower Magazine |accessdate=4 August 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822193427/http://www.empowermagazine.com/mission-accomplished-the-truth-of-eric-thomas/ |archivedate=22 August 2015 |df= }}</ref><ref name=fearless>{{cite web|title=Eric Thomas Motivational Speaker – Best Quotes, Speeches & Videos!|url=http://www.fearlessmotivation.com/2015/05/16/eric-thomas-motivational-speaker/|publisher=Fearless Motivation|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=rexrode>{{cite web|last1=Rexrode|first1=Joe|title=Eric Thomas goes from YouTube sensation to motivating Michigan State teams, and others around the world|url=http://www.freep.com/article/20140302/SPORTS07/303020078/michigan-state-spartans-eric-thomas-motivational-speaker|publisher=[[Detroit Free Press]]|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref>
While he was homeless, he met a preacher who inspired him to go back to school and eventually change lives.<ref name=fearless/> He also took a job at an [[Olive Garden]] on the [[westside of Detroit]].<ref name=rexrode/> Around this time, Thomas met his wife, De-De Mosley, at the Detroit Center [[Seventh-day Adventist]] Church.<ref name=rexrode/> They then moved to [[Huntsville, Alabama]], attended [[Oakwood University]], and they were married as college students.<ref name=rexrode/>
Thomas spent twelve years working toward an undergraduate degree at Oakwood and graduated in 2001.<ref name="leebove">{{cite web|last1 = Leebove|first1 = Laura|title = Building Success|url = http://statenews.com/article/2008/02/building_success|publisher = [[The State News]]|accessdate = 4 August 2015}}</ref> While in Huntsville, Thomas preached and set up a program to help underprivileged youth.<ref name=rexrode/>
==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.<ref name=rexrode/> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr. Eric Thomas talks sacrificing "Good" for "Greatness"|url=http://wgnradio.com/2015/06/08/06-07-15-dr-eric-thomas-talks-sacrificing-good-for-greatness/|website=wgnradio.com|publisher=WGN Radio|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gribble|first1=Andrew|title=Alabama brings in another big-name motivational speaker on off day|url=http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2014/08/alabama_brings_in_another_big-.html|website=al.com|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=daily>{{cite web|last1=Slovin|first1=Matt|title=Motivational speaker Eric Thomas builds rapport with Hoke, Gardner|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/motivational-speaker-eric-thomas-builds-rapport-hoke-gardner|publisher=The Michigan Daily|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Linafelt|first1=Tim|title=Thomas Motivates, Teaches Noles To 'Breathe'|url=http://www.seminoles.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=210348335|publisher=Seminoles.com|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref> Lebron James has credited Thomas as part of his inspiration for winning the 2012 NBA Championship.<ref name=rexrode/><ref name=slam>{{cite web|first1=Slam Staff|title=Player Motivator|url=http://www.slamonline.com/nba/eric-thomas-player-motivator/#fOd9lOEMGD5rIioF.97|publisher=Slam Online|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=blac>{{cite web|last1=Griffin|first1=Leslie|title=Native Detroiter Eric Thomas is a Motivational Master|url=http://www.blacdetroit.com/BLAC-Detroit/February-2013/Motivational-Master/|publisher=Blac Detroit|accessdate=4 August 2015}}</ref> Thomas voice-overs on ESPN advertisements for Major League Baseball and the National Football League.<ref name=rexrode/> Thomas has appeared on [[Fox News]] to discuss his work,<ref>{{cite web|last1=DiPiazza|first1=Daniel|title=Stop Calling 20-Somethings "Entitled." It's Not True.|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-dipiazza/stop-calling-20somethings_b_8096966.html|publisher=HuffPost|accessdate=28 September 2015}}</ref> and portions of his sermons can be heard on the track "Intro" of deep house producers [[Disclosure (band)|Disclosure's]] 2013 debut album, [[Settle (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 [[Wins & Losses|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==
{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/etthehiphoppreacher Eric Thomas]'s [[YouTube]] channel
*[https://twitter.com/ericthomasbtc Eric Thomas] on [[Twitter]]
*[https://www.facebook.com/THEHIPHOPPREACHER ET The Hip Hop Preacher] on [[Facebook]]
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Eric}}
[[Category:Writers from Detroit]]
[[Category:Motivational speakers]]
[[Category:American motivational writers]]
[[Category:American motivational speakers]]
[[Category:Oakwood University alumni]]
[[Category:Michigan State University alumni]]
[[Category:African-American academics]]
[[Category:African-American writers]]
[[Category:American writers]]
[[Category:African-American Christians]]
[[Category:African-American businesspeople]]
[[Category:American businesspeople]]
[[Category:African-American philosophers]]
[[Category:American philosophers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1970 births]]
