BY: FARAHNAZ NAZARY
Staff
As libraries offer resources, technology and community, its true value is often found in its leadership. Roger T. Thomas has spent his career quietly and effectively building one of the region’s most successful library systems. Thomas doesn’t just manage the library, he manages the community’s intellectual and creative growth.
Thomas is the library manager of the Meramec campus. He brings a unique blend of analytical and organizational skills from his two years in engineering school at the University of Missouri–Columbia. This technical foundation, combined with a passion for community and information sciences, led him to pursue and complete his undergrad degree at Fontbonne University, where he deepened his expertise.
“I started working at Meramec in 2019 as a library manager, but I have worked at the other three campuses in different positions. I was chosen and honored to manage the Meramec library because it is the biggest campus in the college district and more diverse,” Thomas said.
Thomas said he wants to make a library like an informal, family environment so that everyone can feel at home and work comfortably.
“In my opinion, a good manager has to be responsible, honest, be a good listener, treat people in a good way, have respect for people from different backgrounds and encourage his employees to achieve success,” Thomas said.
