معرفی
Michael Gene Thomas Jr. serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics within the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. He teaches Introduction to Personal Finance (FHCE 3200), Wealth Management (FHCE 4200/6200), and collegiate teaching methods courses, emphasizing behavioral and psychological dimensions of financial wellness for future practitioners and clients.
His academic credentials include:
- Ph.D. in Financial Planning from the University of Georgia (2019)
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from LaGrange College (2005)
Dr. Thomas's research examines how social dynamics and emotional factors shape financial decision-making. His work specifically investigates social capital's influence on financial health, the role of empathy in financial counseling, and how data visualization techniques affect financial choices. This behavioral finance approach bridges psychological insights with practical financial planning methodologies.
His award portfolio demonstrates excellence in teaching and community impact:
- Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (UGA Center for Teaching and Learning, 2019)
- Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (UGA Financial Planning Program, 2019)
- Outstanding Alumni Award (LaGrange College Business Department, 2019)
- AFCPE Outstanding Financial Information Award (Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education, 2018)
- GABBY Merit Award for Best Local Program (Georgia Association for Broadcasters, 2018)
Dr. Thomas actively mentors students as faculty advisor for the Student Financial Planning Association and facilitates alumni-student mentorship connections. His community leadership includes founding the Money Dawgs financial literacy summer camp for youth—which pioneered gamification and behavioral finance techniques for children—and co-creating Discovering Money Solutions (DMS), an adult financial capability program using inclusive andragogical methods. He maintains partnerships with Athens-Clarke County Diversion Center, Sparrows Nest, Athens Land Trust, and The Ark to address financial barriers in underserved communities.
