Henry Thomas III of Springfield Leaves UMass Trustee Board with a Legacy

The impact of Henry Thomas III was not overlooked as the Springfield civic and education leader’s tenure with the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees came to an end.

Thomas and Maria Furman will be replaced by Robert Lewis, Jr., and Julie M. Ramon Gagliardi, according to an announcement by Governor Charlie Baker. The terms of Thomas and Furman expired after more than 10 years of service.

“As chairman, Henry was an ardent advocate for the university and the students it serves, and led our Board during a period of robust growth at UMass. The impact (of Thomas and Furman) will last for generations,” said Marty Meehan, president of the UMass system.

“Henry and Maria reflect the very best of our board and both used their knowledge and talents to ensure that UMass continued to offer a world-class and student-centered education while effectively managing through a challenging fiscal environment,” said Robert Manning, chairman of the 22-member Board of Trustees.

Thomas is president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield (Springfield, MA). He joined the UMass Board of Trustees in 2007, and was appointed as chairman by Governor Deval Patrick five years later.

“UMass is a beacon of opportunity for thousands and thousands of people in this state. It provides promise, it provides hope, and it provides opportunity. I want to make sure that it remains a beacon that shines as brightly as it possibly can,‘' Thomas said at the beginning of his chairmanship.

“Education is important to me because I have seen the difference that it makes in people’s lives.‘'

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