
"Dr. Thomas is the first professor I've had who genuinely cares about his students. Contrary to most other courses where online assignments are "busy work,' every assignment in his course was useful. He provided personalized feedback, encouraged us every week, and even made changes to the syllabus to help us succeed. Before taking this class, I thought that nonprofit financial management was boring and difficult. Thanks to Dr. Thomas, now I like financial management and want to keep learning about it. I cannot thank the professor enough for making such a positive impact on my life and the lives of my classmates."
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
Selected Research Publications
Dr. Thomas's research interests broadly focus on the relationship between strategic management and citizen engagement. More recently, he has explored the impact of “super citizens” on advocacy and administrative change with sport as a common setting. His research appears in several of the field's most respected outlets. You can find samples of his research below:

We Can’t Just Shut Up and Play: How the NBA and WNBA are Helping Dismantle Systemic Racism
Appearing in Administrative Theory & Praxis
Click here for article

AI, Bureaucracy, and Institutional Ethics: Current Trends and Future Considerations
Appearing in Public Integrity
Click here for article

Swooshed: How Nike and the City of New York Could Potentially Change the Landscape of City Branding Through Apparel Licensing Agreements
Appearing in Public Administration Review
Click here for article
Public Scholarship & Media
Dr. Thomas’s public scholarship brings academic insight to real-time civic debates. Building on his research on strategic management, citizen engagement, and “super citizens” in sport and politics, he writes for public audiences about governance, protest, and power in contemporary society. His commentary has appeared in outlets including The Tennessean and Yahoo! Sports, where he connects policy, administration, and lived experience to current events. Selected examples of his public scholarship appear below:

As the Olympics near, athlete silence is deafening
Appearing in The Tennessean and on Yahoo!
Click here for piece
ABOUT BLAIR
THE BASICS
M. Blair Thomas, PhD, MPH, MPA, is an award-winning Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Western Kentucky University. His research explores how strategic management and citizen engagement influence public governance, with particular attention to contemporary administrative challenges. He has taught more than 35 distinct courses in public administration and political science across a range of instructional modalities.
CURRENT ROLES
-
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Western Kentucky University
-
Faculty Fellow, Educational Leadership EdD Program, School of Leadership and Professional Studies at WKU
-
University Athletic Representative, Western Kentucky University
-
Faculty Senate, Western Kentucky University
-
Associate Editor, Public Integrity; Administrative Theory & Praxis
-
Editorial Board, International Journal of Public Administration; Journal of Social Equity and Public Administration
-
Bowling Green Human Rights Commission
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy, Askew School of Public Administration, Florida State University
- M.P.A, Askew School of Public Administration, Florida State University
- Financial Management Certificate, Askew School of Public Administration, Florida State University
- M.P.H., Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University
- B.A., Political Science, The University of Portland
BEYOND THE BOOKS
Away from the classroom, Dr. Thomas is a dedicated fan of the Boston Celtics and Chelsea FC soccer club. A native of Portland, Oregon, you are likely to find him pursuing the perfect hazelnut latte, riffing about how to bring sport fashion into the classroom or chasing his Mini Aussiedoodle, Tatum.
CONTACT BLAIR
Feel free to reach out to discuss collaborations, research opportunities, or to simply share your thoughts. Let's connect!
PHONE
(270) 745-4559
OFFICE
Western Kentucky University
Cherry Hall 314
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101