[3] Dr. Thomas joined the MSU faculty after returning from U.S. Army service in World War II and served as a communications professor until he retired in 1983.
In addition to teaching, Thomas served in other roles at MSU, including as associate dean for the College of Communications Arts and Sciences from 1970 to 1973, and as secretary for academic governance from 1973 to 1983.
"[6] Student protests in the 1960s - from local concerns such as open housing to national policy on the Vietnam War - were common in East Lansing.
The Detroit Free Press reported in 1965 about one such event, which culminated in a sit-in at city council chambers: "About 100 sign-toting students from Michigan State University picketed East Lansing City Hall for the second straight day Tuesday, seeking 'more affirmative action' against alleged racial discrimination in off-campus housing ... police spent an hour carrying the limp-bodied youngsters to a rear parking lot ... Midway through Tuesday's demonstration, Mayor Gordon Thomas agreed to meet with student leaders Monday on the MSU campus to discuss the problem.
"Relying on his traditionally heavy support from the off-campus community, Thomas, 56, counted on two or three active volunteers to run his campaign and never appealed to the student vote.
Mayor Thomas, who admitted he was shocked by the results, was ousted and finished fourth behind Council Incumbent Wilbur Brookover who, near the end of the campaign, switched signals and began speaking and debating on campus.
"[8] The East Lansing Towne Courier reported in 1995: "After a 10-year stint as mayor, Thomas said it was difficult to name his greatest achievement while in office.