Steven Thomas

Steven Thomas is a Professor of English at Wagner College, specializing in early American literature, African studies, economic discourse, globalization, cultural theory, and film studies. He holds a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University, M.A. from the University of Maryland, and B.A. from Brown University. His research focuses on Ethiopia’s cultural and film history, with significant contributions to African cinema and Ethiopian-American literature.

Thomas has served in various leadership roles, including Director of Film Studies Minor (2013–2015) and English Department Chairperson (2020, 2022–2023). He was a Fulbright Scholar at Addis Ababa University (2016) and a Barra Sabbatical Fellow at the McNeil Center for Early American Studies (2018–2019). His work emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration, having developed film programs in Ethiopia and published widely on African cinema’s global impact.

• Education: Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University; M.A., University of Maryland; B.A., Brown University
• Research Interests: Early American literature, African studies, globalization, film theory, Oromo cinema, Ethiopian-American narratives
• Awards: Fulbright Scholarship, Exceptional Performance in Teaching Award (2023), Barra Sabbatical Fellowship

His articles and books explore themes like cinematic slavery, African film historiography, and Ethiopia’s cultural representation. He has also contributed to policy reports for the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Thomas’s teaching emphasizes global perspectives and civic engagement, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary and community-focused scholarship.