Thomas University has named Matthew Bowman of Walton, Indiana, as the 2026 President’s Award recipient, recognizing a student whose leadership, academic excellence, service, and character exemplify the highest ideals of the institution. Bowman was recognized at Saturday’s Commencement ceremony.
“When we think about what it means to truly embody the spirit of Thomas University—the commitment to excellence, to service, and to lifting others up—one name rises to the top: Matthew Bowman,” said TU President Kurt Stringfellow. “Matthew, this university is better because you are a part of it. It is our honor to present you with the 2026 President’s Award.”
Bowman came to Thomas University as an inaugural member of the university’s football program, not just joining the team, but helping build the program from the ground up. A United States Marine Corps veteran, Bowman served as a team captain for all three years of his collegiate career, providing steady leadership to a developing program.
Academically, Bowman has excelled, earning a 3.66 GPA, Cum Laude recognition, and placement on both the Dean’s List and President’s List. He has also been named twice to the Sun Conference All-Academic Team. In addition to his academic success, Bowman tutors younger teammates, mentors freshman players, and consistently models discipline and accountability in the classroom.
Bowman’s impact extends well beyond the football field. As a veteran, he actively supports fellow service members and those considering military service by sharing his experiences and guidance. He is a committed member of Thomas University’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, helping ease the transition from military life to higher education for student veterans across campus. He also volunteers as a flag football coach and regularly assists with military-affiliated events, offering support with planning, preparation, and execution.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Bowman was named the 2024 Student Veteran Athlete of the Year by Viqtory Media and Military Friendly®, honoring his achievements as both a student-athlete and veteran leader.
Bowman graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sport Science on May 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, service, and compassion.
Matthew Bowman was recognized at the 2026 Commencement ceremony on May 2, 2026.
Thomas University recognized Dr. LeAnna Willison with the Professor of the Year Award during its 71st Commencement Ceremony on May 2, 2026, honoring her exceptional teaching, scholarly engagement, and service to the University and the broader community.
An Associate Proefssor of Biology, Dr. Willison joined Thomas University in 2018. Known for her innovative and engaging teaching methods, she integrates cutting‑edge scientific practices into the classroom, including forensic genealogy, CRISPR technology, and peer‑reviewed case studies to deepen student understanding and spark interest in science careers.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Willison demonstrates a strong commitment to student success and campus service. She serves on multiple university committees and is the Faculty Advisor for Beta Beta Beta (Tri Beta) Biological Science Honor Society.
Dr. Willison is also deeply engaged in research and scholarship, supporting undergraduate research through microbiology projects on antibiotic resistance and discovery that contribute data to public scientific databases. She evaluates manuscripts for the Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research and remains active in professional development related to STEM education and emerging technologies.
Her service extends well beyond campus through active roles on local school advisory boards, environmental organizations, STEM outreach initiatives, and community education programs. She is also an accomplished scientific photographer, earning multiple national awards through the American Rose Society National Digital Photography Contest.
“Dr. Willison exemplifies the values of Thomas University through her dedication to teaching excellence, student mentorship, scholarship, and service,” said Dr. Kim Cribb, Chair of Health & Sciences. “Her work positively impacts not only our students and faculty, but also the wider community.”
The Professor of the Year Award is Thomas University’s highest faculty honor, presented annually to a member of the faculty who demonstrates outstanding performance in teaching, scholarship, and service.
Dr. LeAnna Willison receives the 2026 Professor of the Year Award from Dr. John Meis, Provost.
Dr. Remigio Padilla‑Hernandez was presented the Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award during Thomas University’s 71st Commencement Ceremony on May 2, 2026, in recognition of his outstanding dedication to teaching, student success, and service to the University.
Dr. Padilla‑Hernandez has served Thomas University for more than a decade and is widely recognized for his exceptional ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible, engaging, and relevant for students at all levels. His courses are thoughtfully designed to support student learning, incorporating real‑world applications, structured practice opportunities, and innovative instructional strategies, including excellence in online mathematics instruction.
Currently serving as Director of Mathematics, Dr. Padilla‑Hernandez plays a key role in shaping both the general education mathematics curriculum and upper‑division mathematics programs that prepare future educators for teacher certification in Georgia. His commitment to pedagogical excellence extends beyond his own classroom, as he mentors colleagues and supports the development of high‑quality online and in‑person instruction across the discipline.
In addition to his teaching, Dr. Padilla‑Hernandez has made significant contributions through leadership and service. Over his tenure, he has held numerous faculty governance and committee roles. Dr. Padilla‑Hernandez is also actively engaged in fostering student involvement outside the classroom. He recently helped establish a Math and Science Club, which has hosted multiple chess tournaments to encourage community, strategic thinking, and student‑faculty engagement.
“Dr. Padilla‑Hernandez is an exceptional educator whose passion for teaching and commitment to students exemplifies the mission of Thomas University,” said Dr. Susan Lynn, Professor and Chair of the Division of Education. “He is deeply respected by students and colleagues alike for his clarity, compassion, and leadership.”
Sponsored by Vulcan Materials Company, the Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award recognizes an outstanding faculty member who demonstrates strong academic skills in the classroom and provides leadership and support in the other areas of campus life. The recipients are faculty who assist the institutions in nurturing an academic climate which fosters teaching and who provide leadership to enhance the campus community. Dr. Padilla‑Hernandez’s selection reflects his enduring impact on students, programs, and the Thomas University academic community.
Dr. Remigio Padilla-Hernandez receives the Vulcan Excellence in Teaching Award from Dr. John Meis, Provost.
Thomas University celebrated its 71st Commencement exercises on May 2, 2026, conferring over 400 degrees collectively during four ceremonies held on the Magnolia Campus.
The undergraduate commencement ceremonies, held at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., honored undergraduate degree candidates and featured Austin Bryant as the undergraduate commencement speaker. The graduate commencement ceremonies followed at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., recognizing graduate candidates for their academic achievements.
Together, the ceremonies honored graduates from across Thomas University’s academic divisions and celebrated the culmination of years of dedication and scholarship.
A highlight of the day was the inspirational address delivered by commencement speaker Austin Bryant, acclaimed entreprenuer and former NFL player.
As part of the commencement celebrations, Thomas University recognized outstanding faculty members with two of its highest academic honors:
Professor of the Year Award was presented to Dr. LeAnna Willison, Associate Professor of Biology, for exemplary teaching, scholarship, and service to the University community.
The Vulcan Teaching Award, recognizing excellence and innovation in teaching, was awarded to Dr. Remigio Padilla-Hernandez, Associate Professor of Math. Established in 1991, the Vulcan Teaching Excellence Awards annually recognizes one outstanding faculty member who demonstrates strong academic skills in the classroom and provides leadership and support in the other areas of campus life.
The President’s Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a TU student, recognizing exceptional academic achievement, service, and leadership, was presented to Matthew Bowman, who received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sport Science at the undergraduate ceremony.
Additionally, every year the faculty of each of the University’s divisions selects its top graduating undergraduate student and graduate student to be recognized for their outstanding academic achievements during the commencement ceremonies. This year’s recipients are:
Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences: Ashlyn Powell (Undergraduate), Dr. Sakia T. Franklin-Jones (Graduate)
Division of Business: Jaxon French (Undergraduate), Luke Blanton (Graduate)
Division of Education: Mason Ard (Undergraduate), Andrew Messer (Graduate)
Division of Health and Sciences: Margaret Colgan (Undergraduate), Melissa Edwards (Graduate)
Division of Humanities: Jonah Hendricks (Undergraduate)
Thomas University congratulates the Class of 2026!
Dr. LeAnna Willison receives the Professor of the Year Award from Dr. John Meis, Provost Dr. Remigio Padilla‑Hernandez receives the Vulcan Teaching AwardMatthew BowmanAshlyn PowellDr. Sakia T. Franklin-Jones and Dr. Angie Anderson, MSC Program DirectorJaxon FrenchLuke BlantonMason ArdAndrew MesserMargaret ColganMelissa EdwardsJonah Hendricks
Thomas University will celebrate its 71st Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 2, at the University’s Forbes Campus, honoring the achievements of nearly 500 graduates who have completed undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The University will hold two ceremonies. The undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the graduate commencement ceremony at 6:00 p.m. This year’s ceremonies will be the final commencements held on the Forbes Campus. As Thomas University prepares for its transition to the Woodlands campus, the ceremonies serve as both a celebration of student achievement and a meaningful farewell to a campus that has played a central role in the institution’s history. The move to the Woodlands represents the next chapter in Thomas University’s growth, expanding opportunities for students while honoring the legacy built at Forbes.
This year’s commencement speaker will be Austin Bryant, a native of Pavo, Georgia, whose journey exemplifies leadership, perseverance, and service. Bryant distinguished himself early as a standout scholar-athlete at Thomas County Central High School, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and induction into the National Honor Society. He went on to attend Clemson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in Athletic Leadership, while achieving remarkable success on the football field, including two All-American honors and two national championships.
In 2019, Bryant was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, embarking on a six-year professional football career with the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers. Today, he is a real estate developer, investor, and angel investor based in Nashville, Tennessee. Through his foundation, Bryant remains deeply connected to his roots, returning annually to Thomas County Central High School to host youth sports camps focused on mentorship, character development, and community empowerment.
Now dedicated to service beyond athletics, Bryant’s message emphasizes faith, discipline, and the belief that success comes from lifting others as you rise—values that align closely with Thomas University’s mission.
Thomas University’s 71st Commencement ceremonies will recognize graduates earning associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and mark a significant milestone as they transition into professional and civic leadership roles.
For additional commencement details, visit www.thomasu.edu.
