 In addition to teaching, Thomas served in other roles at MSU, including as Associate Dean for the College of Communications Arts and Sciences from 1970–73, and as Secretary for Academic Governance from 1973-1983.Thomas was elected to the East Lansing City Council in 1959, and served as the 17th Mayor of East Lansing from 1961 to 1971.He was preceded in office by Harold F. Pletz (1959–61) and succeeded by Wilbur B. Brookover (1971–75).