Andrew R. Thomas

Dr. Andrew R. Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marketing at the College of Business, The University of Akron, where he has been a faculty member since August 25, 2003. He specializes in international business and marketing, teaching courses such as International Business Environments and Strategic Marketing. His academic leadership includes serving as Department Assessment Coordinator and Study Abroad Coordinator for the Panama MBA Trip.

• PhD, University of Bucharest, Academia de Studii Economice
• MA, The University of Akron
• BA, The University of Akron

Dr. Thomas’s research centers on global strategy, sales and distribution, neuromarketing, and transportation and supply chain security. His work bridges business and public policy, particularly in high-risk environments and emerging markets. He has extensively published on topics such as innovation diffusion, ethical implications of neuromarketing, and the geopolitical impact of energy shifts like the fracking revolution.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, combining marketing theory with security studies, public health, and global economics. From analyzing fentanyl exposure risks in transportation to examining neuromarketing ethics, his work demonstrates a commitment to addressing real-world challenges through academic inquiry. Books like The Canal of Panama and Globalization and American Shale Energy and the Global Economy highlight his expertise in geopolitics and infrastructure.

• Editorial Contribution Award, Springer (2025)
• North America Best Business Case 2020, New World Report (2021)
• Fulbright Scholar, U.S. Department of State (2006)
• Distinguished Service Award, U.S. Department of State (2015)
• Dean's Excellence Award for Graduate Teaching (2020)
• Winner: Berry-Book Prize, American Marketing Association (2010)

Dr. Thomas has secured significant research grants, including $255,000 from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway for predictive modeling in security. He has advised honors students and served as Graduate Council member and Faculty Senate representative. His editorial roles include long-term service as Journal Editor for the Journal of Transportation Security and guest editor for the European Journal of Marketing.

He leads initiatives in academic publishing as a member of the UA Press Editorial Board and has contributed to international scholarship through Fulbright and editing volumes on Eastern Europe. His presentations to regional chambers and industry groups reflect strong community engagement and applied research dissemination.