WATERVILLE, MAINE, November 2020 — As Thomas College looks ahead to 2021, the College finds itself at the nexus of business, technology, and innovation with the announcement of new, innovative academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, new Certificate of Advanced Studies programs, new partnerships with such innovators as the Roux Institute at Northeastern University and WEX, and new initiatives including a leading-edge digital badging program, all to help catalyze growth in Maine. Thomas College is growing the work force of tomorrow by helping Maine’s economy and Maine’s people succeed by giving them opportunities to learn the skills they need for jobs of the future in exciting careers that pay well and that employers will need filled with relevant, education and skills.
In Fall 2021 Thomas is launching new academic programs in both Digital Media, with concentrations in Web Development or Multimedia Design, and Business Analytics. These highly-technical and creative undergraduate degree programs will set our graduates apart in these in-demand and cutting-edge fields. These new academic programs are being launched thanks to a recently announced $13.5 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation that positions Thomas College as a leader for students interested in pursuing technology careers – producing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs for central Maine and beyond.
In our Professional and Graduate Studies programming, Thomas College is launching its new Cybersecurity concentration for our well-established Master’s in Business Administration program. We’ve also announced a new Certificate of Advanced Studies program for working professionals to earn an advanced level of education without pursuing an entire degree, to expand industry knowledge and to keep skills relevant and gain foundational knowledge in Cybersecurity, Project Management or Human Resource Management.
Thomas College is also excited to announce a partnership with the Roux Institute at Northeastern University. The two institutions intend to develop a deep partnership focused on catalyzing economic opportunity for the State of Maine through the development of homegrown talent. More to come in 2021!
Our new initiatives bring together Thomas College’s Centers for Innovation, including the Center for Innovation in Education, Harold Alfond® Institute for Business Innovation, and Professional & Career Development, we’re working to increase the employability and innovative capacity of our students and partners. This includes new innovative initiatives such as a digital badging program, a new program to provide Industry Certificates, Credentials and Licensing
to our students, a partnership with MindEDGE to provide area professionals with access to online trainings and skills, and a robust student professional and career development peer mentorship program.
“The single greatest thing we can do to drive the region and state’s economy is to attract, retain, and graduate more students and provide them with as robust academic and career-preparation experiences as possible,” said Thomas College President Laurie G. Lachance. “These new programs, initiatives and partnerships will help fuel our dedication to building Maine’s next generation of innovation leaders.”
About Thomas College: About Thomas College: Thomas College has been preparing students for success in their personal and professional lives for over 125 years. Thomas College nurtures the unique potential within each student. Our Guaranteed Job Program, 3-year accelerated offerings in all undergraduate degrees (master’s in the fourth year), individualized advising, career counseling, and our Innovation Centers in Business and Education meet a student’s determination to succeed with the direction, confidence, and tools to realize the highest version of themselves. From the classroom to community activities, or on the athletics field with our 18 varsity sports, Thomas College provides a personalized experience that prepares you for the workplace of tomorrow. Data reported by the New York Times ranks Thomas in the top 13 percent of all higher education institutions in the U.S. for upward mobility of its graduates, and U.S. News & World Report ranks us #7 among colleges in the Northeast. For more information, visit wwwold.thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at pr@thomas.edu or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
