Currently, I am the CEO of Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas. I volunteer as a team physical therapist for the FHSU Football team and am an adjunct instructor in the Health and Human Performance Department at FHSU. I serve on the United States Olympic Volunteer Medical Team, as well as donate time to four local high schools for injury prevention and rehab. I am on the board of directors for the Kansas Physical Therapy Association and serve as chief delegate for Kansas to the American Physical Therapy association.
What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?
Once again, I am currently serving as CEO for RCH in Plainville, KS. Hospital administration was not my initial career path; however neither was physical therapy. I originally received my master in biology from FHSU which led me to teaching anatomy and cell biology in a Massachusetts college, a job offer I received after a post masters fellowship at Los Alamos National Laboratories working on avian influenza research. I went on for my doctorate in physical therapy and have been a PT for eight years; six of those years, I have spent as the rehab director at RCH. When the CEO opportunity became available, I was given quite a bit of encouragement to apply as I have enjoyed managing people and situations as much as diseases and movement disorders as a physical therapist.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
I chose FHSU initially for two reasons. It was cost effective and [had] small class sizes. I cannot emphasize how much having smaller classes and getting to know my professors helped shape my career.
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
My favorite memories as a student at FHSU were those made with friends, whether through studying and preparing for classes as a GA or discussing the shared experiences we were having as students. I also enjoyed attending FHSU sporting events and TailGreat every year. The most important memory though is meeting my wife at FHSU.
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
Prospective students need to know this is probably the best learning environment you will ever be exposed to. The professors care about you and what you want to become. No one is too busy for you. The caliber of instructors is amazing and even when encompassed in their own research, they will help you make the contacts you need to make to be successful in whatever you want to do.
Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:
Dr. Greg Farley has had one of the biggest impacts on my life. He not only engaged me as a learner but helped shape how I approach life in general. If it weren’t for his Zoology class I took as a senior to fulfill a minor requirement, I may never have pursued a career in the medical field. He helped me appreciate all the people and life around me through his classes and guidance as an advisor. Dr. Eric Gillock was also very influential in helping me move through my career. Finally, Dr. Jeff Briggs has been a person I have looked up to as an administrator for years.
In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?
I’m always amazed at how many FHSU grads are doing amazing things from writing books to saving lives. FHSU Tiger grads are spread out across the country and world doing great research and helping people.
Dr. Anthony “AJ” Thomas ’04, ’06
