Located in the beautiful historic city of Thomasville, Georgia, Thomas University is a regionally accredited, non-profit university with a rich history. TU provides an educational experience that explores and develops each student’s full potential. Situated on 75 acres just 30 miles north of Tallahassee, Florida, TU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and education specialist degrees at our main campus, online and at satellite locations in Tallahassee and across Georgia.
Our student body includes traditional students, professionals returning to college, members of the military and citizens from around the globe. TU students participate in a wide variety of activities, including 12 varsity and junior varsity athletic teams, music, theatre, ENACTUS, Rotaract and more.
Thomas University’s origins date back to 1950 when the Primitive Baptist Church chartered the institution as Birdwood Junior College at the winter home of the Honorable W. Cameron Forbes, former Governor General of the Philippines, Ambassador to Japan and grandson of Ralph Waldo Emerson. The Forbes Building, built in 1932, is one of the original structures on campus and is still in use today. The architecture of the building inspired the graphic elements of the TU logo and the design of Smith-Bonvillian Hall, which was built much later.
In 1976, the Primitive Baptist Church relinquished control of the college and the name was changed to Thomas County Community College. In 1979, the college became nonsectarian and independent. The name was changed to Thomas College in 1986, and the first four-year degrees were offered in 1988.
In December 1998, Thomas College was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to offer graduate degrees. In January 2000, the name was changed to Thomas University.
Thomas University has not only become the school of choice for this region but has also taken its dynamic educational programs worldwide. Hundreds of international students have earned their degrees at our campus in Thomasville, Georgia.
In 2017, Thomas University opened the Center for Professional Learning offering customized training and certification preparation classes in a variety of areas including contracting, cyber security and project management.
The Center for Military Life was established in 2018 to support military personnel and their families’ service throughout the military from pre-enlistment to veteran status. TU is a proud partner with the Community College of the Air Force offering seamless transfer of CCAF associate degrees to TU bachelor’s degree programs. TU is also an approved General Education Mobile (GEM) provider for Air Force personnel. Thomas University is an active participant in the voluntary education programs for all branches, providing access to quality education. The Veterans Services and Career Transition Center is available to all veterans and active duty personnel on campus and in the surrounding area.
Vision
Thomas University will be a national leader in innovative teaching and interactive technology that engages students in creative problem-solving for the Information Age.
Mission
Thomas University is the school of choice for students in undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare for successful careers and responsible leadership in a rapidly changing and complex world. The faculty and staff value students’ individual strengths, capabilities, and will to succeed, providing the means by which they will achieve personal and professional transformation.
Values
Dynamic learning environments that engage students in their intellectual and personal development;
Rigorous intellectual studies that require creativity, discipline and personal responsibility;
Diversity and its use as a learning tool to teach that the world is a better place when respect for the individual is central to our relationship with others;
Community involvement, including cultural and artistic experiences, that enriches the lives of our students, as well as their fellow citizens;
