In Memoriam: Remembering Julius B. Thomas, a Trailblazing Educator and Advocate

On July 9, the education community lost a cherished member, as Julius B. Thomas, an esteemed alumnus of Riverside City College and a dedicated counselor and professor at Rio Hondo College, passed away at the age of 61. Throughout his life, Thomas exemplified a profound commitment to education and social justice, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and colleagues.

Renowned for his advocacy on behalf of Black educators and social justice issues, Julius B. Thomas was a force for change in the field of higher education. His passion and dedication were recognized when he received the prestigious National Education Association’s Higher Educator of the Year Award just two years ago. In addition, he was honored with the National Council for Higher Education’s James Davenport Memorial Award, an accolade bestowed upon him for his unwavering dedication to the higher education community. Thomas was the first African American to receive both of these prestigious honors, and his commitment to excellence earned him the distinction of being the first educator in California to be awarded the Higher Educator of the Year.

In his 2021 acceptance speech for the Higher Educator of the Year Award, Thomas outlined his mission to provide students with educators whose faces and experiences mirrored their own. He fervently advocated for the recruitment of Black male educators, recognizing the profound impact of representation on the educational experience.

Thomas's journey in education began after exploring music and serving in the U.S. Air Force. In 1984, he became a scholar-athlete at Riverside City College, where he also played men’s basketball and was actively involved in campus life. His contributions to the college community were so remarkable that he was recognized as the Alumnus of the Year in 2017. He transferred to UC Riverside in 1986, continued his athletic pursuits in basketball, and earned bachelor’s degrees in both psychology and sociology in 1989. Undeterred in his pursuit of knowledge, he obtained a master’s degree in Educational Counseling and Guidance from California State University San Bernardino in 1995, ultimately joining the counseling team at Rio Hondo College in 2001.

Throughout the last couple of decades, Julius B. Thomas distinguished himself as a counselor and professor, making a positive impact on his students' lives and his community. His work focused on dismantling systematic barriers to education, championing access to higher education, and striving for social justice and equity.

Thomas' dedication extended beyond the confines of the classroom. He served on the Board of Directors for the National Education Association in District 15 and held influential roles within the California Teachers Association and the California Community College Association’s Higher Education Department. His numerous involvements highlighted his passion for service to others and his desire to create positive change in the world.

As the community came together to mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, his memorial service was held on Friday, July 28th, at 11 am at the Higher Ground Church of God in Christ in Jurupa Valley, CA. The service was open to all who were touched by his life and contributions.

Riverside City College will forever remember and honor Julius B. Thomas for his extraordinary contributions to the community and, particularly, for the lasting impact he made on the lives of countless scholars. May his legacy continue to inspire and may he rest in peace.