Larry P. Thomas, Chief Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer in the Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University
At Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), Larry P. Thomas is taking steps to support historically underrepresented groups as the new Chief Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer of an unusual academic center.
“My mantra is: always believe in better,” said Thomas. “It inspires and motivates me to stay the course and try to be a North Star, even in the darkness of this pivotal moment.”
In 1945, ARL was established at the request of the U.S. Navy to develop undersea weapons technologies. Today, it is one of only a handful of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) designated University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC).
Given that designation, ARL conducts research, development, and systems engineering in service of the nation’s priorities.
To Thomas, ARL’s unique position makes it all the more critical to build an inclusive community there.
“Larry is a visionary leader in the DEI space,” said Dr. Allan Sonsteby, executive director of ARL. “He is constantly thinking about initiatives that we have here and how they can scale nationally.”
