The Most Influential Person On AIB This week Is Eric Thomas

Eric Thomas is an American Motivational speaker, author, consultant, and Pastor. He was born to a teenage mother in Chicago, Illinois on September 3, 1970. He was raised in Detroit, Michigan.

Eric once dropped out of high school and lived homeless on the streets of Detroit for two years. During this period, he met a preacher who influenced him and advised him to go back to school. He later got a job at an Olive Garden on Detroit’s west side.

He spent twelve years at Oakwood University, Huntsville, pursuing an undergraduate degree. He graduated in 2001. While in Huntsville, Eric preached and established a program to assist underprivileged children.

Upon graduating from Oakwood University, Eric took a job at Michigan State University (MSU), while also pursuing a Master’s degree in K-12 Administration with a specialty in Educational Leadership. He completed his studies at Michigan State University, where he earned both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in education administration.

He served as both an academic advisor to disadvantaged students and a program developer at MSU. He collaborated with DeAndre Carter, a fellow academic advisor, and motivational speaker, to develop “The Advantage”. This is an undergraduate targeted at academically at-risk Black and Latino students. Eric also served as the senior pastor of ‘A Place of Change Ministries’ in Lansing, Chicago.

Eric Thomas became well-known as a preacher and motivational speaker, who shared his knowledge, and experiences with audiences all over the world. He founded a company that offers education, consultancy, executive coaching, and sports development. He has given motivational speeches to athletes at all levels of competition, including NBA players.

He is married to De-De Mosley, and they have two children together.