Richard R. Thomas

Richard R. Thomas is an Associate Professor and Director of the Bachelor of Science program in Photojournalism and Digital Media Design at St. John’s University, where he also created the minor in Dramatic Arts. Previously, he served as Chair of the Division of Mass Communication (2013–2016). His interdisciplinary work bridges film, photography, theater, and digital media, emphasizing creativity, identity, and societal impact. He is a narrative artist with exhibitions at venues like The Lynch Tham Gallery (NYC) and The George Segal Gallery, and his plays have been staged at The No Smoking Playhouse and Paul Sorvino's American Stage Company. His documentary New World Order: Images From The Gulf War earned the Emilio Bernabe Award. Current projects include an animated film/graphic novel adaptation of The Salesman.

Research interests focus on creativity and identity, film theory, photography’s societal role, and interdisciplinary media practices. Courses taught span acting techniques, digital photography, screenwriting, and film production. He has directed documentaries like 2nd Line and Rebirth and live-action films, blending academic and creative expertise.

His work explores the intersection of art and media, with a portfolio spanning visual, literary, and performing arts. Grants and collaborations are not explicitly detailed, but his creative outputs reflect sustained engagement with narrative forms and cultural expression.