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Thomas Jefferson currently serves as Kent State's interim director for the Upward Bound Classic Academy within the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In this role, he oversees the grant management, day-to-day operations and long-term planning for the Federal TRiO Program. The Upward Bound TRiO program serves first-generation and low-income college-bound high school students in grades 9-12. 

Prior to starting his role as interim director in July 2013, Jefferson worked with the Kent State Upward Bound programs for five years. He was also a full-time residence hall director at Kent State for three years. Since joining TRiO, Thomas has been active at the state and regional level. Starting in November 2013 Thomas will become the Ohio TRiO president-elect and become Ohio TRiO president in November 2014. 

Thomas graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education and minors in health and multi-age education from Mount Union College in 2003 and went on to complete a master's degree in higher education administration from Kent State in 2005.