Michael Gene Thomas Jr.
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Lecturer
Dr. Michael G. Thomas Jr. is passionate about advancing the behavioral, emotional, and psyhcological aspects of financial services.
209 Charles Schwab Financial Planning Center
407 Sanford Dr.
Athens, GA 30602
Education
| Degree | Field of Study | Institution | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Financial Planning | University of Georgia | 2019 |
| Bachelor of Science | Accountancy | LaGrange College | 2005 |
Research
My research interest involve the follwoing:
-Social captial's impact on financial well-being.
-Understanding how empathy and compassion play a role in financial well-being
-Unpacking data visualizations impact on financial choice
Teaching
Courses taught:
- Intro to Personal Finance (FHCE 3200)
- Wealth Management (FHCE 4200 / 6200)
- Learning How to Teach at the Collegiate Level (GRSC 7770 E)
Awards
| Award Name | Awarded By | Year Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (AFCPE) | 2018 |
| GABBY Merit Award for Best Local Program - Nothing Funny About Money Radio Show | Georgia Association for Broadcasters | 2018 |
Service
| Organization | Title | Year(s) | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circles of Troup County | Circles Ally | 2013-2014 | Provided One-on-One Financial Client to Participants |
Outreach
I have a diverse background in community outreach. I took a lead role in planning, creating, and executing on the curriculum for the first ever Money Dawgs program. Money Dawgs is a financial literacy summer camp for youth. It was desgined using a pedagocial approach that incorporated gamification, behavioral finance, experiential learning, and systems thinking in a kid friendly way. The integration of these elements were among the first of its kind when created. I took a lead role in creating Discovering Money Solutions (DMS). DMS is a three week financial capabiluity course for adults. It was designed utilizing androgical methods to create an inclusive space of learning that empowers its participants to be a a part of the identifying financial barriers and potential solutions. My outreach efforts also extend to several local non-profit organizations like the Athens-Clarke County Diversion Center, the Sparrows Nest, Athens Land Trust, and The Ark.
Current Classes
I am currently teaching three sections of FHCE 3200: Introduction to Personal Finance
Job Description
I help students understand the technical and behavioral factors that lead to a lifetime of financial wellness for the clients they will serve and in their personal lives. Currently, I serve as an instructor for Wealth Management, Intro to Personal Finance, and a course on How to be an Effective Educator at the Collegiate level.
Moreover, I work closely with the financial planning alumni association to provide mentorship opportunities to financial planning students. I also serve as the faculty advisor for the student financial planning association.