Thomas University (TU) celebrated academic excellence in the biological sciences with the induction of new members into TU’s chapter of the Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) Biological Honor Society. The ceremony, held on November 21, 2025 in Smith-Bonvillian Hall on TU’s Forbes Campus, recognized students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and commitment to the study of biology.
This year’s new inductees are:
Alisette Baca – Biology, Eustis, FL
Joslyn Barrs –Exercise and Sport Science, Branford, FL
Jacob Bilancione – Exercise and Sport Science, Cape Coral, FL
Andrew Clayton – Exercise and Sport Science, Bainbridge, GA
Asher Cox – Exercise and Sport Science, Moultrie, GA
Niamh Curzons – Exercise and Sport Science, The Cotswolds, England
Nohemi Diaz-Ramos – Biology, Cairo, GA
Julian Garcia – Exercise and Sport Science, Jennings, Fla
Cole Haire – Exercise and Sport Science, Jacksonville, FL
Leilani Hichkad – Exercise and Sport Science, Macon, GA
Natalie Hiles – Exercise and Sport Science, Dunedin, FL
Rylee Hollifield – Exercise and Sport Science, Quitman, GA
Conner Hutto – Biology, Nashville, GA
Cayla Jeffery – Biology, Tallahassee, FL
Bradleigh Lott – Exercise and Sport Science, Colquit, GA
Katie McLeod – Biology, Navarre, FL
Noah Roberts – Biology, Valdosta, GA
Lucia Roca Rodado – Exercise and Sport Science, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Anna Van derKeere – Biology, Tielt, Belgium
Landon Watts – Biology, Bainbridge, GA
Eli Willis – Exercise and Sport Science, Naylor, GA
TriBeta is a national honor society for students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.
(Left to Right): Landon Watts, Alisette Baca, Natalie Hiles, Katie McLeod, Rylee Hollifield, Bradleigh Lott (new inductees), Margaret Colgan (current member and Co-Vice President), Haleigh Joslin (current member), Elsebeth Anderson (current member and Co-Vice President), Niamh Curzons, Andrew Clayton, Asher Cox, Conner Hutto (new inductees)
Not pictured: Jacob Bilancione, Nohemi Diaz-Ramos, Julian Garcia, Cole Haire, Leilani Hichkad, Cayla Jeffery, Madelyn Musgrove (current member and serves as President), Noah Roberts, Lucia Roca Rodado, Anna Van derKeere, Eli Willis, Joslyn Barrs, Julian Garcia
Biology Majors (Left to Right) Dr. LeAnna Willison (Associate Professor of Biology), Haleigh Joslin, Katie McLeod, Margaret Colgan, Landon Watts, Elsebeth Anderson, Alisette Baca
Softball Team/ TriBeta members (Left to Right): Katie McLeod (new inductee), Natalie Hiles (new inductee), Rylee Hollifield (new inductee), Margaret Colgan (current member and Co-Vice President), Bradleigh Lott (new inductee)
On Monday evening, TU students, faculty, and staff gathered for one of our most cherished traditions—Thanksgiving Dinner with our TU family. This annual event, held in the TU gym, is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of community, gratitude, and togetherness.
This year’s feast featured mouthwatering traditional Thanksgiving fare catered by Climmie’s H&M Barbeque, complemented by fresh fruit, crisp salads, and decadent desserts provided and served by faculty and staff.
The event has become something truly special, reminding us that TU is not just a university—it’s a family.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Thomas University!
Thomas University (TU) marked a historic milestone with its 75th Anniversary Reception, honoring decades of educational excellence and community partnership. The event, held in Smith-Bonvillian Hall on TU’s Forbes campus, brought together alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and friends of the university to celebrate TU’s enduring mission of transforming lives through learning.
The evening included remarks from Kurt Stringfellow, President of TU, and Clint Kadel, Chairman of TU’s Board of Trustees. Rosemarye Boykins, the first African American graduate of Birdwood Junior College—now Thomas University—also shared her inspiring personal journey and how her achievement paved the way for generations of students to follow.
The celebration honored TU’s proud legacy while looking ahead to an exciting future. Thomas University continues to grow and thrive, shaping a bold future. Thanks to the unwavering support of donors and community partners, TU stands as a beacon of opportunity and a driving force for progress for generations to come.
Thomas University (TU) hosted its annual Cairo Scholarship Soirée on Thursday, October 2 at Collins Place Venue in Cairo, Georgia, marking another successful evening in support of the Grady County Scholarship Fund.
Guests enjoyed a lively performance of “Pirates Without a Ship” by the Syrup City Players, a comedic whodunit that kept the audience guessing. The event also featured a silent auction, with a wide variety of items generously donated by businesses and individuals from Grady County and surrounding communities.
The funds raised will directly support Grady County students attending Thomas University, helping to reduce financial barriers and promote academic success.
“We are appreciative of the support from our sponsors in helping Thomas University carry out its mission,” said TU’s Interim Vice President of Advancement. “This year twenty-four Grady County students received scholarship funds. Their generosity is truly life-changing in helping our students secure a brighter future and improved quality of life.”
Another highlight of the evening was heartfelt comments by Gage Schafer, a scholarship recipient and TU baseball team member, who shared how the Grady County Scholarship has positively impacted his educational journey.
“I am grateful to have received the Grady County Scholarship because of the extra support it provided me in working towards my future career goals,” Schafer said. “With the support of my community through this scholarship, I look forward to returning the favor and investing back into my community and other young athletes as a coach right here in Cairo.”
The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including premiere sponsor Big Bend Agri Services, and the dedication of the planning committee, chaired by Chelsea Cosby. Other committee members included Hansell Bearden, Taylor Gilliard, Jennifer Jarvis, Linda Drew Johnson, Brande Strickland, and Katie Williams.
Thomas University extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, planning committee, the Syrup City Players, Collins Place Venue, and Performance Foodservices-Powell for making the event possible. TU remains committed to supporting students and strengthening its partnership with the Grady County community.
Thomas University is proud to announce that its Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences has been awarded two competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), totaling nearly $1.9 million over five years.
The grants officially went into effect on October 1, 2025, and TU is currently recruiting students who will begin receiving tuition stipends starting in January 2026.
The first grant, 84.129L – Undergraduate Education in Rehabilitation Services, provides $874,940 to support TU’s Rehabilitation Studies undergraduate program. This funding will offer tuition stipends for 11 students per year over five years, helping to expand access to education and training in rehabilitation services. The grant was written by Dr. Pauline Patrick, and the Principal Investigator (PI) is Dr. Matthew Michals-Voigt.
The second grant, 84.129B – Long-Term Training in Rehabilitation Services, awards $999,990 to support TU’s Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) program. This grant will provide tuition stipends for 13 graduate students annually for five years, strengthening TU’s capacity to prepare professionals in counseling and rehabilitation. Like the undergraduate grant, it was authored by Dr. Pauline Patrick, with Dr. Matthew Michals-Voigt serving as PI.
“These federal grants mark a transformative investment in Thomas University’s commitment to preparing the next generation of rehabilitation and counseling professionals,” said Dr. Pauline Patrick, grant author and Chair of the Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences. “By supporting both undergraduate and graduate students with tuition stipends and program enhancements, we are directly addressing workforce shortages and expanding access to quality care for individuals with disabilities across the country.”
Prospective students interested in applying for stipend-supported positions in either program are encouraged to contact TU’s Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences for more information.
Thomas University’s Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) program has earned national recognition for excellence in the field of rehabilitation counseling. TU has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), recognizing the university’s outstanding graduate program in rehabilitation counseling.
This prestigious recognition is awarded to programs that demonstrate excellence in curriculum alignment, faculty expertise, student outcomes, and commitment to professional credentialing. Thomas University earned the designation following a comprehensive curriculum review conducted by CRCC.
“The MSC program faculty have maintained a longstanding partnership with the CRCC, working collaboratively to expand the number of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors in the field,” said Dr. Pauline Patrick, Chair of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences at TU. “We are honored to receive this recognition from the CRCC and look forward to continuing—and deepening—our shared commitment to developing outstanding CRC professionals.”
To qualify as a Center of Excellence, programs must meet several criteria, including:
• A curriculum reviewed and approved by CRCCInstruction led by faculty with backgrounds in rehabilitation counseling or clinical rehabilitation counseling
• Encouragement of the CRC Exam as a comprehensive assessment
• Demonstrated student success, with an average pass rate of 65% or higher over two years
• Ongoing engagement between CRCC and students, faculty, and program leadership
Thomas University’s graduate program has exceeded these benchmarks, with a combined CRC Exam pass rate of 86% over the past three years. CRCC will continue to collaborate with TU through regular meetings with students and faculty to support continued success and professional development.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for our counseling program! This is something we have strived for, and I am so glad we were able to secure this recognition through our tireless work in the CRC program,” said Dr. Angie Anderson, Master of Science in Counseling Program Director. “Our students will greatly benefit from this honor!”
Thomas University offers a fully online MSC degree with four specialization tracks for students to choose from: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Addictions Counseling, and Professional School Counseling. For more information about Thomas University’s graduate program in rehabilitation counseling, visit www.thomasu.edu.
Charter members of Thomas University’s chapter of the national membership program of Educators Rising Collegiate (ERC) held a school supply drive as a service project during the months of August and September. ERC provides university students with opportunities to develop as teachers through chapters on campus, national conferences, and competitions. It serves as a pipeline for cultivating a diverse and skilled future teaching workforce, extending the high school experience into college and the teaching profession.
Donations from the supply drive were delivered to Thomas County Schools’ Project LIFE student members. Project LIFE aims to empower students with specific learning needs to make informed choices about their futures and provides a bridge between school and work life, fostering self-confidence and independence. Members of Project LIFE were tasked with dispersing the classroom and student supplies to new teachers and student members of Backpack Buddies, a local program that provides students in need with non-perishable food items in discreet backpacks, providing food for the weekend when school meals are not available, which improves overall student health and learning abilities.
Chief among the major donors for the project were Thomas University’s men’s soccer team and TU’s Spirit Shop.
TU’s chapter of ERC plans to continue service endeavors throughout the school year, with multiple projects, including a fundraiser to benefit a local preschool’s efforts to obtain new playground equipment, and construction of a community “blessing box” in partnership with TU’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, a national honor society for educators. A blessing box is an outdoor cabinet filled with non-perishable food, operating on a “take what you need, leave what you can” philosophy to provide a dignified, anonymous support system for the community.
Thomas University has always and will continue to be thankful for the support of its community and is grateful for the opportunity to be able to give back to its greatest supporters.
Thomas University is pleased to announce the appointment of Warren Ballard as Vice President of Finance. In this strategic leadership role, Ballard will oversee the University’s financial operations, budget development, and long-term fiscal planning. His work will be central to ensuring that TU grows on a strong, sustainable financial foundation.
“We are proud to welcome Warren Ballard to Thomas University,” said Kurt Stringfellow, Interim President. “His extensive experience in financial strategy and operational leadership will be a tremendous asset as we strengthen our financial infrastructure and position the University for continued success. Warren’s insight and expertise will help ensure that our resources are aligned with our mission and our future.”
Ballard brings nearly two decades of financial leadership and experience in public accounting and the private sector. Most recently he has served as the Chief Financial Officer of a regional commercial development company in addition to providing fractional CFO and advisory services to businesses throughout South Georgia and North Florida.
“I am honored to join Thomas University,” said Ballard. “I look forward to ensuring that our resources are managed in ways that strengthen the student experience, support our faculty and staff, and expand the University’s impact in the community we serve.”
A Certified Public Accountant, Ballard holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. He is a member of the Georgia Society of CPAs and has held leadership roles in community organizations including Rotary International and the Thomasville Community Resource Center.
Thomas University has been recognized in the newly redesigned 2025 Carnegie Classifications as an Opportunity College and University, a designation that highlights institutions providing both high access to underserved student populations and strong post-graduation earnings for their alumni. TU is one of only 479 institutions that have been identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities that are in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.
This prestigious classification reflects Thomas University’s deep commitment to serving the educational and economic needs of its region. The university stands out for enrolling students who mirror the demographics of the communities it serves, including high percentages of Pell Grant recipients and students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. In addition, TU graduates are earning competitive wages compared to peers in their local job markets, demonstrating the university’s success in preparing students for meaningful careers.
“This recognition affirms what we’ve long known at Thomas University,” said Kurt Stringfellow, Interim President. “We are not only expanding access to higher education, but we are also equipping our students with the tools they need to thrive professionally and contribute to the vitality of our region.”
The Opportunity College and University designation is part of the Carnegie Foundation’s newly launched Student Access and Earnings Classification, which evaluates institutions based on how well they reflect the communities they serve and the economic outcomes of their graduates. Thomas University’s classification places it among a select group of institutions nationwide that are models for fostering student success through inclusive access and career readiness.
Thomas University’s approach is rooted in meeting the needs of Southwest Georgia and North Florida. With a focus on career-aligned academic programs, personalized support services, and community partnerships, TU continues to be a catalyst for transformation, empowering students and fueling regional development.
Thomas University is proud to announce the appointment of Jessica Barfield as the new Vice President of Enrollment Management. In this role, Barfield will lead strategic initiatives in student recruitment, enrollment, retention, and academic advisement.
“TU is excited and grateful to have someone with Jessica’s experience and passion,” Kurt Stringfellow, Interim President said. “There is no doubt she will make an immediate impact in the lives of our students.”
Barfield brings extensive experience in higher education leadership. Most recently, she served as Professor, Lead Faculty, and Quality Enhancement Champion at Tallahassee State College. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing Quality Enhancement Plans, an essential component of SACSCOC accreditation, for Southwest Georgia Technical College, Southern Regional Technical College, and Tallahassee State College. She also held the position of Executive Director of Advisement and Professional Development at Southern Regional Technical College.
“I am truly honored to join Thomas University as Vice President of Enrollment Management,” said Barfield. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working alongside dedicated colleagues to expand opportunities for students to grow and thrive at TU. Together, we will not only boost enrollment, but also strengthen our community through the power of education—transforming lives and creating a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Barfield holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Georgia and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Valdosta State University.
Her professional recognitions include being named Professor of the Year by the Technical College System of Georgia and Thomasville Times Enterprise Teacher of the Year. She is also an active member of several professional organizations and has led numerous educational workshops and conference presentations.
“Thomasville has always been home for me, and I deeply love this community.” said Barfield. “I am grateful for the chance to give back to the community that has given me so much, as we work together to change lives through education and mentorship at Thomas University.”
