Thomas Adams Wilson

Dr. Thomas Adams Wilson, 87, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Charlottesville, VA after struggling with dementia for several years. Tom was born in Providence, RI on April 22, 1938, to the Rev. Arthur E. (Parson Pete) and Mabel Wilson. Some of his earliest treasured memories were many long summers spent at the family camp on Beech Hill Pond in Maine. After graduating from Classical High School in Providence, and before entering Earlham College, Tom made a solo trip around the world on an English bicycle. After college he and his first wife, Anne, joined the Peace Corps in 1962 and were assigned to the Philippines. He would then earn a master’s degree in education at Howard University, and a EdD. in Education at Harvard University. He and Anne moved to Chicago in 1969 where he helped found Metro High School, one of the first "chartered" public schools “without walls” based in downtown Chicago. Tom later established the Center for New Schools, working on reforming and improving secondary education in the United States, with a focus on critical thinking.

Tom married Leslie Oh in 1984 on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago before moving to Providence, Rhode Island, where Tom worked at Brown University in several positions.
After Brown, they moved to London, where Tom researched Her Majesty’s Inspector (school evaluation) in England. That research resulted in the publication of his book, "Reaching for a Better Standard", and his development of a system of school evaluation to be used in the United States. He would go on to use this system to evaluate 164 schools in Rhode Island. He also worked with the Network for College Success at the University Chicago to evaluate several at risk schools in Chicago.

In addition to his work in education, and his profound love of his family, Thomas had a deep, lifelong connection with the outdoors. He never met a mountain he wouldn’t climb, or a canoe he wouldn’t paddle. He loved trees, even working as a tree surgeon for several years in his late thirties. When Tom and Les moved to Warwick, Rhode Island, he became interested in protecting and conserving their small cove. While there, he established the Old Mill Conservancy with significant community engagement.

Thomas and Leslie moved to Charlottesville, Virginia in 2015, where they enjoyed exploring the mountains, art and concerts around town.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Peabody Wilson. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Leslie, his sister, Mary Helen Miller, his children, John, Debby (Davidson), Peter, and his stepchildren Rachel (Kathleen), Thomas, and Mark; his grandchildren, Josh, Dani, Emma, and Kylie as well as many nephews and nieces, and their children.

A small family memorial to spread his ashes and remember his legacy will be held this summer at his old family camp in Maine. Condolences can be sent to Leslie Oh at [email protected].