Rate My Professor Nate Thomas

Nate Thomas serves as Professor of Cinema and Television Arts and Head of the Film Production Option at California State University, Northridge, within the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, contributing significantly to the Arts and Culture faculty. He holds a B.A. from St. Edward’s University (1979) and an M.F.A. from the University of Southern California (1984). Appointed as professor in 1994, Thomas has led the film production option for over two decades, spearheading a curriculum overhaul to align with industry demands and emerging trends. He has cultivated vital industry relationships, securing more than $60,000 in annual scholarships for CSUN students and mentoring numerous protégés who have become influencers in entertainment. Thomas is the first African-American to head a film production program at a California State University campus. His professional expertise includes issues of diversity and image portrayal in film and television, the business and marketing of feature films, film and television production, foster care and child protection systems, and child advocacy.

Thomas has directed and produced an array of projects, including award-winning PBS documentaries, IMAX films, television commercials, and public service announcements. Notable works include the theatrical limited-release feature 'East of Hope Street,' which earned him an Imagen Award nomination, and the Warner Home Video feature 'Stompin’' starring Sinbad and Vanessa Bell Calloway. In 2014, he received a regional Emmy for directing and producing FBI public service ads addressing counterfeit clothing, music piracy, and trade secret theft; he previously earned a commendation from FBI Director Robert Mueller for PSAs on child cyber predators. His honors encompass the 2015 California State University Wang Family Excellence Award—the system's highest faculty recognition in visual and performing arts—the 2018 'Good Brother’s Award' from the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Congress of Black Women, and listings in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who Among Black Americans. Thomas has guest lectured at Shanghai University, Nanjing University of the Arts, and Nanjing University of Science and Technology in China, and presented at the 79th Golden Globe Awards in 2022. He has also served as president of the CSUN chapter of the California Faculty Association.