Thomas University marked its 75th anniversary with a celebratory reception on November 13, 2025, in Thomasville, Georgia. The event featured remarks from University President Kurt Stringfellow, who emphasized the institution’s commitment to education and community engagement.
Reflecting on a Legacy of Change
Originally founded in 1950 as Birdwood Junior College under the leadership of J. Harley Chapman, the institution underwent several transformations over the decades. It became Thomas County Community College in 1976, was renamed Thomas College in 1986, and finally adopted its current name, Thomas University, in the year 2000. In his address, Stringfellow remarked, “Our name, and even our location, does not fairly define who TU is. That definition is found in the individuals who chose to attend Thomas.”
The celebration highlighted the university’s core mission: to inspire and empower students to think critically and innovate through higher education. Stringfellow introduced special guest speaker Rosemarye Boykins, a distinguished graduate from the class of 1969, who was the first African American to graduate from the university.
A Personal Journey and Community Impact
Boykins expressed her gratitude for the educational opportunities she received, stating, “I’m deeply grateful that I had the opportunity for the education I received at Birdwood Junior College, now Thomas University.” She acknowledged the support of her late husband, Samuel Boykins, who helped balance family responsibilities while she pursued her studies.
In her speech, Boykins paid tribute to key figures from her time at the university, including her British Literature teacher, Emily Neal Caldwell, and librarian Vera Maxwell, whom she credited for making the library feel like a second home. She shared how her English teacher, Adabelle Williams, played a crucial role in developing her writing skills.
“To be the first of anything is an incredible honor, but also a responsibility,” Boykins said.
Boykins reflected on her status as the first African American graduate, acknowledging the challenges that came with it. “I sometimes felt like an outsider… Yet with confidence in my ability to achieve, I brought a significant impact to this institution,” she explained. She emphasized the importance of education as a vehicle for change, stating, “Education is the key to everything.” Boykins encouraged attendees to continue improving their communities.
Following her speech, Clint Kadel, chairman of the Thomas University Board of Trustees, underscored the university’s enduring mission to educate, empower, and inspire students. He noted that, despite facing new challenges in higher education, the heart of Thomas University remains the people who comprise its community.
Kadel stated, “We are not defined by our challenges, but by our commitment to overcome them together.” He concluded by expressing optimism for the future, highlighting the university’s focus on preparing students for meaningful lives of service and leadership.
To commemorate the milestone, State Representative Darlene Taylor presented a resolution recognizing Thomas University’s contributions to education. In closing, President Stringfellow reaffirmed the university’s dedication to excellence, stating, “We are focusing on making Thomas University the best private university in the state of Georgia.”
The event served not only as a celebration of the past but also as a rallying point for the university’s future, urging all to continue striving for excellence in education.
