St. Thomas Aquinas College is honored to welcome John W. Marshall, a civil rights advocate, distinguished leader in public safety and law enforcement, and the son of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, for a Black History Month Fireside STAC Chat on Wednesday, February 26 at 2:15 PM.
This special event will address The Transformative Power of Education – Access and Affordability and offers students and the community a unique opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking discussion, while reflecting on the lasting impact of Thurgood Marshall’s legal legacy.
“Welcoming John W. Marshall to St. Thomas Aquinas College is both an honor and an inspiration,” said College President Ken Daly. “His lifelong dedication to public service embodies our core values. As the son of one of the most transformative figures in American history, he continues his father’s legacy by advocating for equity and public safety. This fireside chat is more than a conversation—it’s a moment to reflect, engage, and inspire.”
John W. Marshall has dedicated over four decades to law enforcement and government service. He made history as the first African American Director of the U.S. Marshals Service, appointed by President Bill Clinton. His distinguished career also includes serving as Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety under two governors. He currently serves as Director of the Office of Safety Programs at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, advancing national safety initiatives.
Moderated by Emmy Award-winning ABC reporter Phil Taitt, the fireside chat will explore Marshall’s personal journey, his father’s enduring impact, and the role of young people in shaping the future.
The event is presented by the College’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, which prepares students for leadership roles in government, nonprofits, and public service. Offering specialized tracks in Nonprofit and Criminal Justice Leadership, the 36-credit program features flexible in-person and online courses, hands-on learning, and distinguished faculty. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Reserve your spot by registering at stac.edu/Marshall.
About St. Thomas Aquinas College
St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college located on 76 acres in Rockland County, NY, providing education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College’s diverse student body of approximately 2,000 full and part-time students can choose from over 100 majors, minors, and specializations across four Schools: Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Education, and STEM. The College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the Top-Tier for Regional Universities, and by Colleges of Distinction in its New York edition for Business, Education, and Career Development. The College is also recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Program institution. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; its School of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and its School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). For more information, visit www.stac.edu.