Bio

Thomas Gang began coaching and teaching in 1991 at his alma mater, California State University Fullerton, where he competed as a scholarship football player in 1988 and 1989.  As a Junior College transfer from Modesto Junior College, he received All-Central Valley Conference honors at Modesto and was named to the Modesto Junior College All-Decade Team. 

Thomas has spent the past six years as the Dean of Athletics & Kinesiology / Athletic Director at Antelope Valley College (AVC) in Lancaster, California.  His leadership at AVC was significant in reimagining a more dynamic, progressive curriculum and working with Faculty to establish a vibrant online education program.  Thomas has frequently partnered with the Equity Division at AVC where he initiated annual retreats for student athletes addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Athletics.  He has led divisional bond projects, including the creation of the Marauder Complex, Gymnasium refurbishment, Mondo Track installation, and Baseball field renovation.  His vision and design of the Outdoor Training facility were funded with HERF funds to provide a safe outdoor training environment for the campus community. In 2018, Thomas founded and administered the Community Athletic Project, which provides no-cost monthly clinics and camps to Antelope Valley youth in grades 1-8.

Before serving at Antelope Valley College, Thomas spent two years as the Athletic Director of Wentworth Military Academy and College, an NJCAA school in rural Missouri. He also served as the Associate Dean & Athletic Director at Sierra College in Rocklin from 2011 to 2012.    

Thomas Gang’s initial service in administration began at Mendocino College in 2008 while he was an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Head Football Coach.  He led the Athletic Department until his departure in 2011.  As the Head Football Coach, he guided the Eagles to 3 Conference Championships and was named Coach of the year in 2007 and 2009.  His 2004 team was awarded the Pepsi Scholar Team Award, presented to the football team with the highest GPA in the California Community College Athletic Association. 

Thomas has been active in the California Community College Athletic Association throughout his tenure as a coach and administrator.  He served as the President of the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) from 2018 until 2023.  He was the Football representative in the Western State Conference from 2019 until 2023.  Additionally, Thomas served as the Administrative Representative for Softball at the Bay Valley Conference from 2008 until 2011. He was also a member of the California Community College Football Coaches Association (CCCFCA) from 2003 until 2011. In 2010, he was selected to serve as the President of the CCCFCA and was an active member of the Executive Board from 2009 to 2012. 

Receiving his teaching credential in Physical Education from Chapman University, Thomas spent four years teaching and coaching at Ceres High School before transferring to Modesto Junior College to serve as an Assistant Football Coach. He earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University in 2002. He left Modesto in 2003 when he was hired to lead the Eagle Football program at Mendocino College. 

Thomas has been active in the Community serving on the Antelope Valley YMCA Board from 2020 to 2022.  Additionally, he currently serves on the Society of Experimental Test Pilots Scholarship Foundation Board. 

Thomas served as a member of the United State Marine Corps (R) in Aircraft Firefight and Rescue from 1984 to 1988. He has been married for over 34 years to Stephanie and has six children – Ashley, Matthew, Elise, Haylee, Lindsay, and Allyson.  Thomas and his wife, Stephanie, also have 11 grandchildren.