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 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. 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!
Phi Tau, Thomas University’s chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), recently completed its annual community service project, focusing on providing support and comfort to patients receiving cancer treatments at two area healthcare facilities.
The project involved collecting donations commonly needed by patients undergoing infusion therapies. Items donated included blankets, socks, caps, and puzzle, coloring, and activity books, along with other similar comfort items.
Donations were delivered to two area healthcare facilities, Archbold Cancer Center in Thomasville, GA and Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Tallahassee, FL. Robin Mullins, BSN RN, Director of the Oncology Nursing Cancer Center and a graduate of the TU BSN program received the donations at Archbold Cancer Center. At Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Becton Blanton, MSN RN OCN CHPN CEN, EMPT-P, Area Director of Clinical Operations received the donations along with two oncology nurses.
The annual service initiative reflects Phi Tau’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, patient support, and healthcare advocacy while strengthening connections between Thomas University and regional healthcare organizations.
Robin Mullins, BSN RN, Archbold Cancer Center; Dr. Kim Cribb, Chair of Health & Sciences & Phi Tau President; Judy Hornsby, Administrative Asst. for DHS.
Becton Blanton, MSNRN OCN CHPN CEN,EMPT-P, Area Director of Clinical Operations atFL Cancer Specialists &Research Institute in Tallahassee, FL received thedonations along with twooncology nurses.
Phi Tau, Thomas University’s chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), will host its annual Induction Ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2026 via Microsoft Teams.
Sigma Theta Tau International is an international nursing honor society with members from around the world and more than 100,000 nurse leaders worldwide. Membership includes nursing students who rank in the top academic percentage of their graduating classes as well as nursing professionals who have demonstrated leadership in nursing practice.
The Phi Tau chapter has been established at Thomas University for nearly 20 years. Each year, the chapter inducts new student members, participates in research activities, and hosts events that support healthcare scholarship and leadership.
During the April 23 Induction Ceremony, new members will be formally inducted into the honor society. The event will also feature Lorin Powe, a Thomas University Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate student, as the guest speaker. Powe will present her capstone project titled “Implementation of Virtual Nurse Triage and Support System in the Emergency Department.”
The BSN students to be inducted into Phi Tau are: Chelsea Ausmus Emily Bedwell Tracey Harrell Finnettra Lundy Sonya Showers
The MSN students to be inducted are: Ashley Cameron Melissa Edwards Lorin Powe
The ceremony highlights the chapter’s commitment to academic excellence, professional leadership, and the advancement of nursing practice.
Thomas University’s Division of Business hosted the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society Induction Ceremony the evening of April 16, 2026. The ceremony was conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams and celebrated the academic excellence and leadership achievements of outstanding business students.
Sigma Beta Delta is an international honor society that recognizes and encourages scholarship among students studying Business, Management, and Administration. Membership is extended to students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, with Thomas University inductees representing the top 20 percent of students enrolled in the University’s business programs.
The society is committed to ethical leadership, lifelong learning, and the pursuit of meaningful professional and personal goals.
The following students were inducted into Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society at Thomas University:
Luke Blanton
Holly Bloodsworth
Kobe Dawson
Devin Gallagher
Luke Guerrier
Pham Huynh
Kierra Irvin
Courtney Loftis
William Nye Huynh Mai Khoi Pham
Averie Sheppard
Brian Tanner
Lisa Taylor
William Waddell
Seth Waltimyer
Benjamin Wingate
Jeremiah Winfrey
Jake Wright
Thomas University celebrates these outstanding students and their achievements.
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.
Thomas University is proud to announce that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools Designation being recogized as the #4 Military Friendly® institution in its category.
Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Military Friendly®, in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data, and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
The designation reflects TU’s commitment to evolving services to meet the needs of current and future students who have served or are serving our nation. According to Josh Dean, Thomas University’s Director of Military and Corporate Relations, “The 2025-2026 school year saw the Center for Military Life expand its veteran support services to include a dedicated lounge and assistance center. This added resource center ensures that qualified students can gain access to their earned military education benefits.”
“As a former service member, this particular recognition means a lot,” said Thomas University President Stringfellow. “I am proud of Josh Dean and his team for continuing to make our veterans a top priority at TU.”
“Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.” said Kayla Lopez, Military Friendly® Vice President of Memberships.
Thomas University will be showcased in the 2026-2027 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of G.I. Jobs ® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com. Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 3,200 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly Schools® designation. Military Friendly® is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly® is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm.
The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com.
Thomas University’s annual fundraising event, Dining for Education Drive‑Thru Dinner, was held on March 16, 2026, at The Plaza Restaurant. This year’s event achieved a historic milestone, becoming the largest fundraising event in TU’s history.
Event sponsors included Ambassador Personnel (Talon Sponsor), Flowers Foods, and Hurst Boiler (Birdwood Sponsors). More than 70 sponsors showed their support this year, with proceeds directly benefiting student scholarships. The overwhelming participation demonstrated the region’s deep commitment to expanding educational opportunity.
In keeping with this year’s theme, Under an Aegean Moon, sponsors enjoyed a Greek‑inspired, chef‑prepared meal from The Plaza. Committee members and student volunteers greeted sponsors as they arrived to pick up their dinner baskets.
“This year’s Dining for Education surpassed every expectation,” said Carla Turner, Vice President of Advancement. “The generosity of our sponsors, the dedication of our committee, and the support of our community made it possible for TU to surpass its record‑breaking fundraising goal. These funds will have a transformative impact on our students’ lives.”
Dining for Education committee members included Janna Crane (Chair), Jill Carraway, Raquel England, Caroline Flowers, Martha Hanway, Marlow Hawkins, Alane Kadel, Leah Merschman, and Eve Rumble. Event chair Janna Crane said, “Serving on the Dining for Education Committee over the past several years has been truly rewarding. It’s inspiring to work alongside others who share a commitment to supporting Thomas University students and expanding opportunities through education. When we invest in these students, we’re investing in the future of our entire community.”
Student volunteers also played an important role in the event’s success. TU student Hannah Henriksen spoke about what the experience meant to her. “I enjoy volunteering to show my gratitude and give something back. This event really shows that the community cares about their students.” Funds raised through Dining for Education directly support scholarships, academic programs, and essential student‑success initiatives—opening doors for learners across the region and strengthening TU’s role as a vital educational resource.
Thomas University is deeply appreciative of all who contributed to this landmark achievement and looks forward to continuing the tradition of community collaboration and student support.
Congratulations to the following students for being named to the Thomas University President’s and Dean’s Lists for Fall 2025. President’s List students attend TU full-time and have a GPA of 4.0. Dean’s List students attend TU full-time and have a Fall Semester 2023 of 3.5 to 3.99.
President’s List:
Zachariah Abraham, Miami, FL
Zequiel Abraham, Palm Coast, FL
Elsebeth Andersen, Brædstrup, Denmark
Mason Ard, Bainbridge, GA
Tonja Arrington, Thomasville, GA
Mary Avila-Garduno, Culloden, GA
Alisette Baca, Eustis, FL
Carlos Baker, Thomasville, GA
Alfredo Banos, Thomasville, GA
Rylie Batcheller, Tallahassee, FL
Bobby Blasingame, Hampton, GA
Bryce Bodiford, Boston, GA
Pamela Bowens, Dawson, GA
Lindsay Brinson, Bainbridge, GA
Kason Brown, Columbus, GA
John Burnsed, Bryceville, FL
Trevor Bush, Vilonia, AR
Colin Bussard, Tifton, GA
Luca Valentino Carlos Tona, Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
Cole Castle, Lithia, FL
Ryan Chapman, Stuart, FL
Andrew Clayton, Bainbridge, GA
Montel Cleaver, Covington, GA
Cameron Clontz, Marietta, GA
Margaret Colgan, Jacksonville, FL
Morgan Copeland, Cairo, GA
Maria Cox, Lawrenceville, GA
Shawn Cox, Blakely, GA
Kristina Cromer, Griffin, GA
Tyler Lau Cumming, Paisley
Olivia D’Ambrosio, Canton, GA
Kobe Dawson, Adel, GA
Thalea Doe, Adel, GA
Emily Dukes, Quitman, GA
Christopher Dunn, Adel, GA
Casey Fair, Lake City, FL
Derek Fryman, Trenton, OH
Joel Futch, Valdosta, GA
Isabelle Gabrielsson, Hindas, Sweden
Pelayo Gafo Zapico, Villanueva del Pardillo, Spain
Thomas University hosted the Georgia School Counselor Association (GSCA) Region 6 Mini Conference on Friday, February 27.
Region 6 represents a wide area of Southwest Georgia, including Sumter, Randolph, Terrell, Lee, Crisp, Turner, Worth, Dougherty, Calhoun, Clay, Tift, Early, Baker, Mitchell, Colquitt, Miller, Seminole, Decatur, Grady, Thomas, Wilcox, Ben Hill, Irwin, Berrien, Cook, Lowndes, and Brooks counties. For the past two years, Dr. Katrina Steele, Associate Professor of Counseling and Psychology and Coordinator of the Professional School Counseling concentration at Thomas University, has served as the GSCA co liaison for this region helped welcome attendees to campus.
This year’s conference theme, Next Level Counseling: RAMP Strategies, focused on guiding school counselors in developing and implementing Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) frameworks in their schools. Deidre Williams of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) led the training, offering practical strategies and hands on planning sessions to help counselors strengthen their programs and better support students across the region.
Counselors attending the conference also participated in a curriculum swap, designed to provide a spring refresh with new lesson ideas, resources, and best practices to take back to their schools.
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) generously sponsored catered lunches for all attendees, supporting the professional development of school counselors throughout the state.
Thomas University is honored to partner with GSCA and ASCA in hosting this important regional professional development event. By supporting school counselors, TU continues its commitment to strengthening educational pathways and serving the broader Southwest Georgia community.
Thomas University is proud to participate with the IRS‑sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) initiative to offer free tax preparation. TU students, trained and certified by the IRS, are offering no‑cost tax filing services to eligible South Georgia residents throughout tax season.
Under the leadership of Bonnie Berggren, adjunct professor of Accounting and site coordinator for TU’s VITA program, participating students gain valuable hands‑on experience while helping local families keep more of their tax refunds.
“This is the VITA tax site, and it’s a program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service to help taxpayers making $69,000 or less with their taxes,” Berggren explained. “Students learn tax law, become certified, and then work directly with community members under supervision. It’s an opportunity to serve others while gaining real‑world experience.”
For many TU students, the VITA program is their first opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real‑world setting.
The experience not only strengthens students’ confidence and career readiness, but also fulfills an important community need.
The free VITA service is especially valuable for seniors and low‑income earners who may otherwise struggle to afford tax‑preparation fees.
“Many people feel more confident coming in and having someone do their taxes for them,” Berggren said. “Some have difficulty navigating technology or tax software. The process has become more complex, and we’re glad to help.”
Free VITA tax preparation is available on Wednesdays from 12:00–5:00 p.m. at Thomas University’s Forbes Campus, now through April 15.
Clients should bring:
Social Security card
W‑2 forms
A valid photo ID
Thomas University is proud to support the community through programs that strengthen student learning while providing meaningful, accessible services to local residents.
