Dr. Glen W. Thomas served as a public educator in the roles of a classroom teacher and an administrator at the school, district, county office and state levels. He served as the Executive Director to the State Curriculum Commission for nearly a decade. He also served as Assistant Superintendent in the California State Department of Education. From 1998 through 2006, Dr. Thomas has served as Executive Director for the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA), and then in the highest level of public school leadership as the Secretary of Education under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Connie Thomas served as a National Board Certified teacher in Sacramento during her career. She taught first grade for her entire career and excelled in primary education. She and Glen together actively served in leadership in the public school system as they raised their family. Both of the Thomas daughters are graduates of public schools; one is a graduate in civil engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and the other studied genetics at UC Davis. Glen and Connie Thomas together remained active advocates and supporters of their alma mater, Biola University. They hosted gatherings in their home for student “send offs” with the Biola Alumni Association, and Glen hosted the annual Emerging Leaders Institute for graduates and alumni of Biola’s School of Education for two decades, among many other activities. Glen and Connie Thomas passionately love the Lord, and they have dedicated their lives to serving Him in the public school system. This scholarship has been set up with the express purpose of helping prepare Biola teacher candidates in the School of Education to be “salt” (Matthew 5:13) and “light” (John 8:12) as they lead in the public sector. QUALIFICATIONS: GPA 3.0 or above. For next year's Juniors or Seniors only. Early Childhood or Liberal Studies majors only. FAFSA eligibility required. Candidate plans to teach in CA public schools, has demonstrated leadership in the community, has demonstrated Christ-like character, excels in volunteer work with K-12 children.