Thomas Robert Plough (born 1941) is an American sociologist most notable for having served as president of North Dakota State University and Assumption College.

He began his career at Alma College, where he rose to serve as dean of students.

He moved to the Eisenhower College and later the Rochester Institute of Technology where he was eventually appointed provost.

[3][4] Plough resigned in the wake of the same scandal that led to the early retirement of M. Richard Rose.

[5] Plough assumed the presidency of North Dakota State University in 1995 and moved to Assumption College in 1998.