Marquis Who’s Who Honors Louis C. Thomason, PhD, for Expertise in Computer Technologies and Higher Education
Louis C. Thomason, PhD, is recognized for his contributions to computer technology as a leading IBM technical staff member for decades
He was named a charter member of the IBM Academy of Technology, the top 300 engineers and scientists within IBM worldwide
DELANCEY, NY, October 08, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Louis C. Thomason, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Thomason’s distinguished career in technology and academia is marked by decades of innovation, leadership and dedication to advancing distributed operating systems. After fully retiring from the field, he supported the State University of New York (SUNY) Ulster near Kingston, New York, where he served as an adjunct professor from 2013 to 2024. In this role, he inspired students by sharing real-world examples from his career, emphasizing the region’s significant contributions to computer science. He also played a pivotal role in mentoring students in the development of an application for the veterinary technology department.
Over approximately forty years as a Senior Technical Staff member with IBM, Dr. Thomason contributed significantly to the evolution of computer graphics and networking technologies. Early in his career with the organization, he worked on the software for the IBM 2250 display, which was recognized as the first successful commercial computer display, helping lay the foundation for modern computer graphics technology. Dr. Thomason managed projects related to computer data collection, the VM/XA operating system, and the development of an OS networking component that would become a precursor to today’s internet infrastructure.
A recognized expert in distributed computing technology, Dr. Thomason managed and chaired several task forces focused on implementing networking software at IBM. He is particularly proud of his leadership as the key task force chair, dedicated to helping customers understand IBM’s software offerings. Dr. Thomason’s expertise led him to Europe, where he lectured clients about advanced software technologies.
Earlier in his academic career, Dr. Thomason held positions as an associate adjunct professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute from 1976 to 1978 and as an associate professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University between 1972 and 1973. He began his teaching journey as an instructor at Oklahoma State University in 1960.
Dr. Thomason’s educational background laid a strong foundation for his achievements, culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy in electrical and computer engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1966. While pursuing his doctorate, he became the co-director of the Engineering and Computing Center at Oklahoma State University, working with early transistor-based computers, such as the IBM 1620. Dr. Thomason’s relationship with IBM notably began through this work when an IBM serviceman encouraged him to apply for a position at their Kingston facility.
Apart from his formal education, Dr. Thomason pursued a number of ongoing professional development activities, earning the Google AI Essentials certification from Google. This training enhanced his ability to communicate effectively with artificial intelligence systems.
Throughout his career, Dr. Thomason has been an active member of leading professional organizations, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and ACM Inc., reflecting his commitment to staying engaged with advancements in technology. As a seasoned scholar, he has also contributed extensively to industry knowledge through publications such as IBM Systems Journal on topics like software technology and system design. In the 1980s, Dr. Thomason notably co-authored a paper detailing the innovative features of the Distributed Processing Performance Executive, better known as DPPX, an operating system developed in Kingston that enabled computers to communicate, and was a significant technological advancement at the time.
Among numerous accolades, Dr. Thomason received the Senior Technical Staff Award during his tenure at IBM and was named a charter member of the IBM Academy of Technology, the top 300 engineers and scientists within IBM worldwide. His passion for technology and pride in his work have been central motivators throughout his life. He strives to inspire others by highlighting technical achievements and encouraging creative exploration within technology fields.
Dr. Thomason remains committed to supporting veterinary technology applications for students at SUNY Ulster by ensuring their accessibility on institutional networks, a critical factor for accreditation purposes. He continues exploring new programming tools developed with artificial intelligence and collaborates with a number of colleagues on advanced technology.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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