Thomas University marked a significant milestone on November 13, 2025, celebrating its 75th anniversary with a reception attended by students, faculty, and alumni. University President Kurt Stringfellow opened the event, expressing gratitude to attendees for commemorating the institution’s legacy. “On behalf of the Thomas University Board of Trustees, I want to welcome and thank you for spending time to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Thomas University,” he stated.
Founded in 1950 as Birdwood Junior College under the leadership of J. Harley Chapman, the institution has undergone several transformations. It became Thomas County Community College in 1976, changed its name to Thomas College in 1986, and finally adopted the name Thomas University in 2000. Stringfellow emphasized that the university’s identity extends beyond its name and location, stating, “That definition is found in the individuals who chose to attend Thomas.”
Honoring Notable Alumni
The event featured a special guest speaker, Rosemarye Boykins, a notable alumna and the university’s first African American graduate, who completed her studies in 1969. Boykins expressed her gratitude for the education she received, reflecting on those who supported her journey. “I’m deeply grateful that I had the opportunity for the education I received at Birdwood Junior College, now Thomas University,” she remarked.
Boykins acknowledged her late husband, Samuel Boykins, as her greatest supporter during her academic pursuits. “He was my greatest cheerleader and helped care for our two children while still working two jobs,” she shared. She also recognized John Holt, who played a crucial role in her enrollment, saying, “He made it possible, and he made it simple.”
In her speech, Boykins reminisced about influential figures during her education, including Emily Neal Caldwell, who taught British Literature, and librarian Vera Maxwell, who made the library feel like home. She credited Adabelle Williams, her English teacher, with significantly shaping her writing skills. “Miss Williams taught English, and she was the one who helped to mold me,” Boykins noted.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on her groundbreaking role, Boykins stated, “To be the first of anything is an incredible honor, but also a responsibility.” She shared her experiences of feeling like an outsider, yet emphasized the importance of her achievement as a symbol for the African American community in Thomasville. “It marked the beginning, not just for me, but for other African Americans to enroll here; it served as an inspiration,” she explained.
Boykins concluded her remarks by underscoring the critical role of education in society. “Education is the key to everything. With our knowledge and skills, we have a responsibility not only to ourselves but to one another and to future generations,” she urged.
Following Boykins’ address, Clint Kadel, chairman of the Thomas University Board of Trustees, echoed the institution’s commitment to education. “Through every name and era, one reason has remained constant: to educate, to empower, and to inspire,” Kadel stated. He acknowledged the challenges facing higher education today but asserted that the university’s heart lies in its community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
State Representative Darlene Taylor presented a resolution honoring Thomas University’s 75 years of service and dedication to education. “The future of Thomas University is bright,” President Stringfellow remarked in closing. “We are focusing on making Thomas University the best private university in the state of Georgia.”
As Thomas University looks ahead to its next chapter, the commitment to creating opportunities for students remains at the forefront of its mission.
