Eric Thomas (motivational speaker)
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September 3, 1970
Michigan State University (M.A.)
Michigan State University (Ph.D.)
Eric Thomas | |
|---|---|
 Thomas in 2011 | |
| Born | Eric D. Thomas September 3, 1970 |
| Alma mater | Oakwood University (B.A.) Michigan State University (M.A.) Michigan State University (Ph.D.) |
| Occupations | Motivational speaker; consultant; coach; author; minister |
| Website | Eric Thomas Website |
Eric D. Thomas (born September 3, 1970[1]) is an American motivational speaker, author, consultant, and minister. Speeches by Thomas are popular on YouTube.[2][3][4]
Thomas was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He was born to a single, teenage mother. After various arguments with his parents and aunts, he dropped out of high school and lived homeless on the streets of Detroit for two years.[5][6][7][8][9]
While he was homeless, a friend took him to his church, where he met a pastor and evangelist team who encouraged him to get his G.E.D. and pursue a college degree. He was invited to move in with one of the church members' families and secured employment at the local McDonalds.[citation needed][10] He also took a job at an Olive Garden on the westside of Detroit.[9] Around this time, Thomas met his wife, De-De Mosley, at the Detroit Center Seventh-day Adventist Church.[9] They then moved to Huntsville, Alabama, attended Oakwood University, and they were married as college students.[9]
Thomas spent twelve years working toward an undergraduate degree at Oakwood and graduated in 2001.[11] While in Huntsville, Thomas preached and set up a program to help underachieved youth.[9]