WATERVILLE, MAINE, October 15, 2018 — Thomas College announces it will launch the first varsity eSports program – among the very first in New England. Thomas has joined the National Association of Collegiate eSports and will begin competing in regional and national eSports tournament competitions this spring.
“Thomas College has been an innovator in many areas. eSports puts us at the leading-edge of co-curricular programming for our students,” said President Laurie Lachance. “This investment will support the goals of our strategic plan, as varsity eSports will help college-wide recruitment and retention, bolster enrollment in our technology degree offerings (cyber security, computer science, and computer information systems), increase student engagement, and build and enhance workforce skills that employers demand including collaboration, critical thinking, strategy development and the ability to plan and execute.”
eSports is competitive, organized video gaming, with tournament competitions taking place all over the world – at the professional, collegiate and high school levels. eSports is a billion-dollar industry that saw 40 percent growth last year.
Varsity eSports members at Thomas – and elsewhere – are considered competitive athletes. Team members will have a coach, uniforms, and will practice and compete with top-of-the-line equipment including Alienware area-51 Threadripper computers, and individual headsets – while also traveling to regional eSports competitions.
Thomas College is able to launch this program with support from Bill and Joan Alfond.
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.