Thomas University

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**Thomas University**
Established	1950
Type	Private
President	Gary Bonvillian
Faculty	99
Students	750
Location	Thomasville, Georgia
Colors	Hunter Green and White
Nickname	Night Hawks
Website	www.thomasu.edu

Thomas University is a four-year coeducational university located in Thomasville, Georgia. Thomas University provides quality professional educational opportunities to traditional and non-traditional students. There is an academic emphasis on professional career development, with noted undergraduate and graduate programs in business, criminal justice, education, and health and human services, as well as in the arts and sciences.

1 History
2 Mission, role, scope
3 Athletics
4 External links

[edit] History

The main building and grounds were originally a portion of Birdwood Plantation, the winter home of the Honorable W. Cameron Forbes, U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Governor General of the Philippines.

The Primitive Baptist Church purchased the property in 1949 and chartered Birdwood Junior College in 1950. Classes began in 1954 with nine students, and in 1956, three of these students became the first graduates. In 1976, the Primitive Baptists relinquished control, and the name was changed to Thomas County Community College.

In 1979, the college became non-sectarian, private, and independent. In 1986, the name was changed to Thomas College, and in 1988, the first four-year degree was offered.

In December 1998, Thomas College received approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to move from Level II to Level III status, allowing Thomas College to offer graduate degrees.

In January 2000, Thomas College changed its name to Thomas University.

[edit] Mission, role, scope

The University offers associates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as continuing education and personal interest courses to citizens of the local and extended community. The academic mission focuses primarily on professional programs with a strong liberal arts and sciences foundation. Students are provided the opportunity to develop the knowledge, leadership, and skills necessary to both enter and advance in many of the region’s fastest growing professions. Students are provided the opportunity to acquire strong technological, communication, and critical thinking skills, enabling them to adapt to changing demands over time. The University also emphasizes students’ cultivation of personal and professional ethics. The institution preserves faculty’s academic freedom and encourages students’ intellectual curiosity and development. In the spirit of public service, the University supports the cultural diversity, social enterprise, and professional life of the community and region.

[edit] Athletics

Thomas University offers varsity athletics in baseball, softball, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's golf. Thomas University takes the Night Hawk as its mascot, and the school colors are Hunter Green and White. Athletic teams compete in NAIA Region 14. In 2004, the softball team won the NAIA national championship.