Thomas graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1973 with a BS in English, and a MSed in 1980 in Instructional Technology.

He also has a Master's of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

[1] Randal is from Glen Carbon, Illinois and he graduated from Collinsville High School.

During his time serving in Vietnam, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for valor in 1968–1969.

[2] Thomas is also the Chairman of the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees which governs the Carbondale campus, Edwardsville campus, School of Medicine in Springfield, and School of Dental Medicine in Alton.