"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, MA is an Assistant Professor and Interim MPA Director at Western Kentucky University, and an Adjunct Professor at Florida State University's Askew School.
His research examines public management, AI in administration, and sport governance, analyzing how athletes and sports organizations shape policy and public discourse.
Author of 19 peer-reviewed publications, his scholarship appears in top outlets including Public Administration Review, Administration & Society, and Public Performance & Management Review, with commentary in The Tennessean and Yahoo Sports. He is co-authoring two 2027 contracted books on athlete advocacy and NIL policy.
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
- M.A., (Organizational Leadership), Western Kentucky University
- B.A., Political Science, The University of Portland
CURRENT ROLES
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Interim MPA & Local Government Certificate Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Western Kentucky University
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University Athletic Representative, Western Kentucky University
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee, Western Kentucky University
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Managing Editor, Public Integrity
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Associate Editor, Administrative Theory & Praxis
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Editorial Board, International Journal of Public Administration; Journal of Social Equity and Public Administration
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Bowling Green Human Rights Commission
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!
OFFICE
Western Kentucky University
Grise Hall 518
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101