Michael Gene Thomas
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Lecturer
209 Charles Schwab Financial Planning Center
407 Sanford Dr.
Athens, GA 30602
Education
| Degree | Field of Study | Institution | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Financial Planning | University of Georgia | 2019 |
| Bachelor of Science | Accountancy | LaGrange College | 2005 |
Research
My research interest involves understanding what factors influence financial well-being across socio-economic status and how to optimize those factors through evidenced-based interventions or therapeutic methods.
Teaching
I teach all sections of the Intro to Personal Finance course.
Awards
| Award Name | Awarded By | Year Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award | UGA Center for Teaching and Learning | 2019 |
| Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award | UGA Financial Planning Program | 2019 |
| Outstanding Alumni Award | LaGrange College Business Department | 2019 |
| AFCPE Outstanding Financial Information Award | Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education (AFCPE) | 2018 |
| GABBY Merit Award for Best Local Program - Nothing Funny About Money Radio Show | Georgia Association for Broadcasters | 2018 |
Service
| Organization | Title | Year(s) | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circles of Troup County | Circles Ally | 2013-2014 | Provided One-on-One Financial Client to Participants |
Outreach
I have a diverse background in community outreach. I co-created Money Dawgs and Discovering Money Solutions. Money Dawgs is a financial literacy summer camp for youth. Discovering Money Solutions is a 3-week financial capability program for adults. I have also served as a financial counselor at the UGA Aspire clinic and provided tax services for VITA (Voluntary Income Tax Assistance). My outreach efforts have also lead to joint efforts with the Athens-Clarke County Diversion Center and homeownership prorgram through the Athens Land Trust.
Current Classes
I am currently teaching three sections of FHCE 3200: Introduction to Personal Finance
Current Research
I teach all sections of the Intro to Personal Finance course.
Job Description
I help individuals understand the technical and behavioral factors that lead to a lifetime of financial wellness.
Faculty Advisor for the Student Financial Planning Association.