Employee Spotlight: Thomas Massey
Social and Behavioral Sciences Department Chair Thomas Massey grew up with a fascination for U.S. history. He was curious how the British colonies in America could rise so quickly from independence to become the global power that the United States is today. So, he enrolled in American Studies and History at Swansea University in Wales .
Thomas was thrilled by the idea of studying abroad during his junior year. As an American Studies major, he was assigned to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he faced a heat and humidity he had never experienced before. Thomas was relieved to discover that every building was air-conditioned.
He was also amused by his instant celebrity status. “Even the professors just somehow weirdly assumed I was smarter than I was because of my accent,” Thomas reflected. “And so I’ve never worked as hard as I worked in Mississippi. I did not want to let down those professors because they believed in me.”
Growing up in the United Kingdom, Thomas learned about Britain’s extensive and centuries-old history. However, when he arrived in Mississippi, he delved into more recent U.S. history, particularly the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s.
The ability to talk to people who were alive during that time inspired Thomas’s interest in social history, especially African American and Native American history.
During his time in Mississippi, Thomas traveled extensively within the U.S. and Mexico but always felt most at home, enjoying the warm hospitality the South is known for. He was thrilled to continue his graduate studies at UNC-Wilmington.
Cool British accent aside, Thomas is making a difference in the education of students at CFCC. He is also acknowledged for his genuine concern for their well-being.
“He is striving to make CFCC a better place, with superior educators and a focus on our students,” shared Mackenzie Reaves. “He is the epitome of what CFCC should be all about!”
Even without tea and crumpets, we were thrilled to chat with Thomas and delve into his history at CFCC.
WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT CFCC AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU HERE?
I started teaching history part-time at CFCC in 1997, fresh out of UNCW grad school and became a full-time history instructor in the fall of 1999. In 2019, 20 years later, I became department chair of Social Sciences.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
It is very rewarding being surrounded by intellectual professionals passionate about their fields of study and knowing that together we are working on inspiring generation after generation of students.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU DO?
I love walking on the beach in winter, boating in the summer, and visiting my family in England whenever I get the chance.
WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR EDUCATION AND/OR CAREER PATH?
My father was both my teacher and the principal of the small elementary school that I attended in the UK. He was always so well respected within the community by his students that I thought his job was pretty important.
Later in my education, Dr. Melton McLaurin was my thesis advisor in graduate school. He always called on his students by last name only and was intimidatingly academic. Thus, when he showed an interest in my studies, I felt extremely honored. He pushed me to work harder.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Smile, give full attention to the person you are speaking with, and remember that people are more sensitive than they may seem.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am quite scared of snakes.
DEGREES & CERTIFICATES
BA History and American Studies, University of Wales, Swansea
MA in History, UNC-Wilmington
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Board of Directors, Bellamy Mansion
Member of Island Men, a charitable organization in Carolina Beach
