Thomas James, widely known as Mr. Stateboard, is an educator, Author, and national speaker dedicated to helping Cosmetology and Barber students successfully pass their state board Exams and prepare for long-term careers in the Beauty industry.

An Air Force Intelligence Veteran, Thomas  is also a dual-licensed instructor in both Cosmetology and Barbering.  He later earned his degree in Political Science from Austin Peay State University combining his passion for education, structure, and workforce development.  After recognizing a nationwide pattern of students struggling with their State Board exams, Thomas focused his work on closing the gap between classroom instruction and a student's ears.

Thomas is the author of The Blueprint:  Your Shortcut to Passing the State Board Exam, created to give students a clear and efficient path toward passing the oury exams.  In addition to working directly with students, he provides Continuing Education seminars for instructors across multiple states.
As a speaker and educator, Thomas has taught at Major industry events including IBS New York and Las Vegas, Premiere Orlando, Birmingham, and Philly, Bronner Brothers, American Association of Cosmetology Schools and NABBA (National Association of Barber Boards of America).

Through Mr. Stateboard, Thomas continues to focus on one core mission:  Making education clearer, preparation stronger, and success more achievable for the next generation of eauty and Barber professionals.