Rockhurst University Welcomes Two New Trustees
Two alumni have been elected to the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees.
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Thomas Sack, Ph.D.
Thomas Sack, Ph.D., a 1980 Rockhurst graduate, retired in 2022 after a 40-year career at MRIGlobal, including 10 years as president and CEO (2012-22). He led a diverse $115 million research portfolio spanning health, national security, defense, and energy initiatives. In 2019, Dr. Sack directed a successful $15 million capital campaign to expand MRIGlobal’s Kansas City life sciences footprint – efforts that positioned the organization to play a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic with diagnostics, vaccines, testing protocols and mobile diagnostic facilities for underserved communities. He revitalized MRIGlobal’ s government relations program, resulting in significant growth in federal funding and more than $3 million in government-directed spending.
Following retirement, Dr. Sack served as a senior consultant with Byrne Pelofsky and Associates. He brings deep experience in scientific research and development management, corporate governance, government relations, proposal development, program management and organizational strategy.
A committed advocate for science and education, Dr. Sack currently serves on the boards of Union Station Kansas City and Kansas City University. His prior service includes the Rockhurst University Board of Trustees (2015-24), BioNexus KC Board of Directors, served on the Board and as Chair for the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, and on the executive advisory committee for FIRST Robotics Kansas City Region.
Dr. Sack earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Rockhurst College and a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and has coauthored more than 50 scientific publications and technical papers.
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Reginald Jeffrey
Originally from St Louis, Reginald Jeffrey came to Rockhurst University as a student in 2020 to study engineering.
As a student, Jeffrey was a highly engaged leader on the Rockhurst campus. He was active in Student Senate, serving as its president during his senior year. Jeffrey also served as a resident assistant for three years and was especially focused on helping freshmen acclimate to campus. He was also active in supporting many clubs, organizations and events on campus.
After graduating from Rockhurst University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2024, Jeffrey joined JE Dunn Construction as a project engineer. In this role, Jeffrey serves as the critical bridge between the design and execution phases of projects. He handles the day-to-day technical details, documentation and coordination required to keep a build running safely, on time and within budget.
