A Legacy of Support: Thomas University Preserving Its History In Move to Woodlands Campus
Post Published On:Thomas University (TU) is celebrating its deep roots and enduring community partnerships by honoring its benefactors on its new campus. As it transitions from the Forbes Campus to the new Woodlands Campus, the university will preserve the named facilities in areas campus-wide, honoring more than 75 years of regional support and history.
Names like Forbes, Smitha, Balfour, Ireland Poe, Birdwood, and others have been more than markers on facilities. They are woven into the fabric of Thomasville and the broader South Georgia and North Florida region, familiar to alumni, students, and anyone who has spent time on TU’s Forbes Campus. These names represent the individuals, families, and leaders whose vision and generosity helped shape the university into what it is today.
“As we look toward the future with the Woodlands campus, we are intentional about carrying forward the legacy that has defined Thomas University,” said TU President, Kurt Stringfellow. “These names tell the story of who we are. They honor the people who believed in this institution and invested in its success, and we are proud to ensure their impact is honored for generations to come.”
For example, on the Woodlands Campus, the new Forbes Building will house the President’s Office, the Office of Advancement, and Marketing, as well as a residence hall, classrooms, faculty offices, and the Library and Learning Commons. In 1950, Thomas University was established at the winter home of the Honorable W. Cameron Forbes, which later became known as the Forbes Campus. Also on the Woodlands Campus, the Birdwood Suite will be home to Admissions, Advising, the Registrar, and Military Affairs & Corporate Relations. The Balfour Building will house residence halls, offices, and classrooms.
At the Magnolia Campus, the name Smith-Bonvillian will be prominently featured on the gymnasium. The two existing residence halls on Magnolia Campus will be named in memory of Eugenia Love Parlett Smitha and Ireland Poe.
The Woodlands Campus represents a bold step forward, offering enhanced learning environments and expanded opportunities for students. By maintaining its historic building names, TU is reinforcing its commitment to honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
“Our future is only possible because of our past,” Stringfellow added. “This is about more than names. It’s about preserving the legacy of support that has defined Thomas University for 75 years.”
As TU prepares to welcome students to the Woodlands campus, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose, and with the enduring spirit of its community carried forward in every name.
