Thomas Wharton Phillips (February 23, 1835 – July 21, 1912) was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.

He resumed his former pursuits, and was appointed a member of the United States Industrial Commission by President William McKinley and served until its dissolution.

[2] In 1906, Phillips was approached by his friend, Dr. Ely Zollars, for help in establishing a bible college in what was then the Oklahoma Territory.

Mr. Phillips agreed to pay Dr. Zollars salary for one year while his friend sought to secure a location for the school.

Phillips became a long time benefactor of the school which was initially called Oklahoma Christian University.