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MEET ALVIN

Dr. Alvin Thomas exemplifies a visionary leader who passionately advocates for positive change in support of Black men and boys and their families. His unwavering dedication to fostering positive youth development, resilience, mental health, and fatherhood is well-established. Through his extensive repertoire of services, including keynote presentations, cutting-edge research, expert consultation, and personalized professional coaching, Dr. Thomas offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to empower individuals.

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By prioritizing community building, Dr. Thomas has cultivated a supportive network that nurtures an environment conducive to growth and achievement. This commitment to creating a thriving ecosystem ensures transformative outcomes that endure a lifetime. Collaborating with Dr. Alvin Thomas provides an opportunity to embrace a journey of personal growth and empowerment, unlocking one's true potential and co-creating a brighter future together.

Alvin Thomas, PhD, holds the position of Phyllis Northway Faculty Fellow and Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies in the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He is a renowned clinical psychologist and researcher, serving as the director of the TRYlab. Dr. Thomas' expertise lies in the convergence of positive child and youth development with father involvement. His research primarily revolves around the advancement of anti-racism efforts that positively impact Black children, Black fathers, and their families and communities. Dr. Thomas' work takes a comprehensive lifespan perspective and encompasses three major areas: fatherhood and parenting, youth violence and adolescent outcomes, and the effects of race and discrimination.

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Dr. Alvin Thomas was recognized for his exceptional contributions in 2021 when he received the prestigious Louise Kidder Early Career award from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. The following year, the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences honored him with another Early Career award, acknowledging his significant impact on the field. Dr. Thomas completed his undergraduate studies at Morehouse College and obtained his MSc and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He also completed a postdoctoral appointment in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan, where he specialized in treating psychological issues among low-income and underrepresented populations in community settings. As an Anna Julia Cooper Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, he further expanded his expertise.

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In the subsequent year, Dr. Thomas received further recognition for his contributions to the field. The Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences conferred upon him an additional Early Career award, in acknowledgment of his notable influence on the discipline. Additionally, in 2022, Alvin was distinguished with the prestigious Outstanding LIFE Alumni Award from the International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course.

 

Dr. Thomas recently launched "The Black Fathers' Pulse Podcast" and was the host and executive producer of "The Black Fatherhood Podcast with Dr. Alvin Thomas," platforms dedicated to exploring the unique challenges faced by Black fathers and promoting their representation. Through this podcast, he aims to educate, validate, and elevate the experiences of Black fathers in society.

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PUBLIC SPEAKING

National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine

Thomas, A. (2022, October 18-20). Building Resilience in The Face of Emerging Threats to Child and Youth Well-Being: A workshop [Workshop moderator]. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Public Workshop, Virtual, Washington, DC., United States. 

Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus

Thomas, A. (2022, February 11). Panel discussion on Physical and Mental Health in The Black Community: COVID-19 and beyond [Panel discussion]. Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus, Virtual, WI., United States. 

 

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Thomas, A. (2020, December 2). Toxic Masculinity and its Impact on Career Development [Panel discussion]. Federal Reserve Bank of New York, NY, United States. 

Morehouse College

Thomas, A. (2021, October 12). If Not You, Then Who? If Not Now, Then When? A career of vocation and dedication [Keynote]. Eddie Gaffney Lecture Series, Morehouse College, Virtual, GA, United States. 

ADDITIONAL SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

  • Federal Reserve Bank of New York

  • Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus

  • Wisconsin Philanthropy Network

  • YMCA of Silicon Valley

  • PBS Wisconsin

  • Indiana Youth Institute

  • 100 Black Men of Madison, Inc.

  • International Max Planck Research School on the Life Course

  • American Institutes Research BLACC Diaspora Network

  • The National Black Leadership Commission on Health, Inc.,

  • UW-Madison Prevention Research Center

  • UW-Madison Institute for Research on Poverty

  • National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

  • UW-Madison Health Equity Leadership Institute

  • College of Nursing, University of Illinois

  • UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health

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INQUIRE ABOUT ALVIN'S SERVICES

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