Thomas A. Habegger

Thomas A. Habegger was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2016.

A native of Westerville, Ohio, Habegger earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a concentration in sport management from West Virginia University in 1986. He went on to complete a master’s degree in sport management from The Ohio State University in 1987 and a Ph.D. in sport management from Union Institute & University in 1997.

Habegger joined Columbus State Community College in 1987, beginning as a graduate assistant before being named Director of Intercollegiate Athletics later that year. In that role, he established the institution’s athletic department and oversaw the growth of a nine-sport program, which achieved national recognition, including the 1993 NJCAA Division III Men’s Golf National Championship. He was named the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year in 1993 and served as Commissioner of the OCCAC from 1991 to 1993.

In 1992, Habegger developed and launched the Sport and Exercise Studies (SES) program at Columbus State. He joined the faculty full-time in 1993 and served as a professor in the SES program for more than 20 years. In 2014, he was named Dean of the Health and Human Services Division, and later served as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs before earning emeritus status.

Over the course of his career, Habegger received Columbus State’s Distinguished Teaching Award three times and was named the institution’s Distinguished Full Professor of the Year in 2012. He also received multiple honors from campus and statewide organizations for his contributions to teaching, diversity, and service.

Habegger has volunteered with the Columbus Children’s Hospital, the First Tee Program, and the YMCA Suburban North Board, among other organizations. He was inducted into the Westerville South High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2005 and has been recognized by the WVU Alumni Cheerleading Association Hall of Fame. 

As a WVU student, he was a varsity diver and member of the WVU cheerleading squad.