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.
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
Thomas College, located in beautiful Waterville, Maine, is defining what it means to be the College of the Future. With a strong commitment to innovation, career readiness, and community partnerships, Thomas College is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of Maine’s top colleges for social mobility. Our distinctive Guaranteed Job Program™, accelerated undergraduate degrees, and flexible graduate programs empower students to advance faster in business, entrepreneurship, education, technology, applied STEM, and arts & science fields. At Thomas, belonging isn’t a buzzword; it’s a promise. We create a supportive, welcoming environment where every student is seen, valued, and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information visit thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at [email protected] or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.