Thomas University Celebrates 71st Commencement with Former NFL Player Austin Bryant

Nearly 500 graduates will be honored at the university's final ceremonies on the Forbes Campus before moving to the Woodlands.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:07pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, with overlapping bold black photographic outlines to turn the iconic academic symbol into modern pop art, conceptually representing the energy and excitement of a university commencement ceremony.Thomas University's commencement ceremonies celebrate the academic achievements of hundreds of graduates while also marking a symbolic shift as the institution prepares to move to a new campus location.Thomasville Today

Thomas University will hold its 71st Commencement ceremonies on May 2, celebrating the achievements of nearly 500 graduates earning associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The ceremonies will feature keynote speaker Austin Bryant, a former NFL player and native of Pavo, Georgia, who will share a message of faith, discipline, and community empowerment. This year's events mark the final commencements on the Forbes Campus as the university prepares to transition to its new Woodlands location.

Why it matters

Thomas University's commencement ceremonies represent a significant milestone for the institution and its students, honoring their hard work and academic accomplishments while also marking a symbolic shift as the university moves to a new campus location. The selection of Austin Bryant as the keynote speaker underscores the university's commitment to inspiring students through the example of successful alumni who have made an impact beyond the classroom.

The details

The undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the graduate commencement at 6:00 p.m. on May 2. This year's events will be the final commencements held on the Forbes Campus, as Thomas University prepares to transition to its new Woodlands location, representing the next chapter in the institution's growth and expansion of opportunities for students.

  • Thomas University will hold its 71st Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
  • The undergraduate ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. on May 2.
  • The graduate ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. on May 2.

The players

Thomas University

A private university located in Thomasville, Georgia, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Austin Bryant

A native of Pavo, Georgia, who played football at Clemson University and in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers. He is now a real estate developer, investor, and angel investor based in Nashville, Tennessee, and runs a foundation focused on youth mentorship and community empowerment.

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What’s next

Thomas University's 71st Commencement ceremonies will recognize graduates earning associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and mark a significant milestone as they transition into professional and civic leadership roles.

The takeaway

The selection of Austin Bryant, a successful alumnus and community leader, as the keynote speaker for Thomas University's commencement ceremonies underscores the institution's commitment to inspiring students through the example of those who have made an impact beyond the classroom. As the university prepares to transition to its new Woodlands campus, this year's events represent both a celebration of student achievement and a meaningful farewell to the Forbes Campus that has played a central role in the institution's history.