03/19/2026 12:44:36 AMObituaryobituaryJerry R. Thomas, 84, of Hoover, Alabama, Dean Emeritus of the College of Education who served at UNT from 2008 to 2016 and was known for his many contributions to the field of kinesiology, died Feb. 25, 2026. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Furman University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Alabama. He taught and served as kinesiology chair at various universities, including Louisiana State University, Arizona State University and Iowa State University. Throughout his career, he served on countless committees, presented more than 300 papers and wrote more than 200 publications — including a best-selling graduate textbook, Research Methods in Physical Activity, translated from English into at least seven other languages. He also was a visiting scholar at institutions in Australia, Korea, China, Thailand and Hong Kong. His achievements fill a 60-page resume. During his last academic year as UNT dean, he led the College of Education in receiving more than $12 million in grants. The kinesiology department saw a substantial increase in enrollment, and he also served as a faculty representative to UNT Athletics from 2011 to 2016. His legacy lives on with the Dr. Jerry R. Thomas Education Scholarship at UNT that was established in his honor, and the Jerry R. Thomas Distinguished Leadership Award, which was established by the American Kinesiology Association to honor individuals who demonstrate distinguished leadership in kinesiology at the national and international levels. The AKA, which he served as founding president, called him “a visionary whose scholarship advanced the scientific foundations of kinesiology and whose leadership helped shape the direction of our profession. His career was marked by intellectual distinction, steadfast service, and an unwavering commitment to developing future leaders.” Survivors include his wife, Katherine Thomas, who also served on the UNT faculty.