Thomas University celebrated the academic achievements of nearly 425 students during its 70th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Forbes Campus. Degrees were conferred upon graduates in their caps and gowns marking a milestone in their educational success at TU.
Each year, the faculty in each division selects its top graduating students to be recognized for their outstanding academic achievements. This year’s honorees for the Outstanding Student Awards were:
Shayna Welch (Literature and Media) Undergraduate Award for the Division of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies
Mary Reed (Elementary Education) Undergraduate Award for the Division of Education.
Tia Hurley (Educational Leadership) Graduate Award for the Division of Education.
Daniel Salinas (Medical Laboratory Science) Undergraduate Award for the Division of Health & Sciences.
Geraldine (Geri) Hall (MSN MBA) Graduate Award for the Division of Health & Sciences.
Herman Algesson (Psychology) Undergraduate Award for for the Division of Social and Behavorial Sciences.
Donnie Palmer, Jr. (Business Administration) Undergraduate Award for the Division of Business.
Dagmar Kruik (MBA) Graduate Award for the Division of Business.
The University also awards the President’s Award to an outstanding graduate and is the highest honor given to a TU student. The 2025 President’s Award was given to Kiana Acol. (undergraduate).
Faculty members were also honored with awards.
Richard Curtis, Associate Professor of Art, was named Thomas University’s 2025 Professor of the Year.
Robin DePaola, Assistant Professor of English and Director of Learning Support, received the 2024 Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award.
Thomas University is excited to announce an engaging and educational event, “Explore Athletic Training: A Sports Medicine Experience,” designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in the dynamic field of athletic training. This immersive clinic will take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, for a comprehensive program from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Participants will be introduced to the field of athletic training and sports medicine and perform hands-on experiences to simulate the role of an athletic trainer. Workshops on injury evaluation, emergency response skills, taping and wrapping, and information regarding a pathway to this career will be held.
Each student will receive a registration kit including a clinic agenda, Athletic Training career resources, notebook, and supplies such as taping materials, foam rollers, and resistance bands. Lunch will be served on-site, offering a valuable networking opportunity with faculty and students.
“We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity for high school students to explore the exciting field of athletic training. Our goal is to provide a hands-on experience that not only educates but also inspires the next generation of athletic trainers,” said Sam Lunt, MS ATC, Assistant Professor for Exercise and Sport Science at Thomas University. more
Thomas University is proud to announce its recognition in the annual college rankings, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.
Based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as academic reputation, graduation rates, faculty resources, student satisfaction, and post-graduate success, Thomas University has been acknowledged for its outstanding contributions to higher education.
“Thomas University is dedicated to providing a personalize, quality educational experience for our students,” said Dr. John Meis, Provost. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts and the positive impact we have on our students’ lives.”
Recent achievements at Thomas University include:
High Academic Standards: Thomas University students consistently achieve high academic success, with many making it to the President’s List and Dean’s List.
Distinguished Faculty: Dr. Ingee Lee, Professor of Mathematics, was named Thomas University’s 2024 Professor of the Year, and Dr. Gale Neal received the 2024 Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award.
Celebrating Graduates: Thomas University celebrated the academic achievements of nearly 600 students during its 69th Commencement Ceremony in May 2024, with graduates receiving Division Awards for their outstanding contributions.
After three thrilling seasons on the national stage of the NAIA Flag Football Championships, two players on Thomas University’s elite Women’s Flag Football team were invited to the prestigious U.S. National Flag Football Trials in March.
“Whimsical” is the word Thomas University student Chase Parman used to describe the recent once-in-a-lifetime snowfall in South Georgia. Measurable snowfall had not fallen in the area in over 30 years before January’s snowstorm, but that did not stop Thomas University students from getting to see 4 inches of snow covering campus.
Members of TU’s Tri-Beta Honor Society quickly jumped into action when Thomasville Humane announced its Community Pet Food Pantry would temporarily close because its shelves were empty.
Thomas University student-athletes and Goalline Ministries partnered with Operation Christmas Child to surprise children from around the world with Christmas gifts this past holiday season.
Thomas University held its Mu Kappa Delta chapter of Beta Beta Beta honor society, otherwise known as Tri Beta, induction ceremony on Friday, December 6, 2024, in Smith-Bonvillian Hall at TU’s Forbes Campus.
Nearly 40 Thomas University took an oath to enlist in the Georgia Army National Guard this past Saturday during Homecoming at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Thomas University’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Fall 2023 graduates achieved a 100% pass rate in the American Society for Clinical Pathology National Board of Registry Exam for Medical Laboratory Scientist.
