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

The university's final ceremonies on the Forbes Campus before moving to the Woodlands location.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:07am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a graduation cap icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday symbol of academic achievement into a modern pop art composition.As Thomas University celebrates its 71st commencement, the iconic graduation cap becomes a vibrant symbol of academic success and community empowerment.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.

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

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, underscoring the university's commitment to inspiring students through the example of successful alumni.