Thomas University Alumni Connections Summer 2025
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Athletic Highlights
Welcome Vincent Davis, Head Football Coach. (Photo of Vincent Davis and Sun Conference logo)

Vincent Davis Named Second Head Coach of Thomas University Military Transition Football Program

 

THOMASVILLE, Ga. – Thomas University Director of Athletics Kurt Stringfellow announced on Tuesday the hiring of Vincent Davis as the second head football coach of the Thomas University Military Transition Football Program.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Davis as the new head coach of Thomas University Military Transition Football." said Stringfellow. "His professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the holistic development of student-athletes make him a tremendous fit for our university. We are confident he will foster a culture of respect, discipline, and continuous growth for our student athletes."
 
"I feel that this opportunity is a blessing from God, and when God sets his hands on you there's nothing more that you can do, but accept His grace, prayers, and strength with an open mind and open heart. I want to build a culture that is second to none by focusing on the community and striving to be servant leaders on and off the field. I look forward to turning this program around and working with some great minds to help build this team into a championship program."

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Save the Date. TU Alumni Homecoming Tailgate. October 18, 2025.
Alumni Spotlight

Kellie Odom
Director of Nursing, Archbold Medical Center
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2008
Master of Science in Nursing, 2014

 

Kellie Odom’s journey is a testament to dedication, lifelong learning, and the power of community-rooted education. A proud Thomasville native, Odom earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2008) and Master of Science in Nursing Administration (2014) from Thomas University—degrees that helped shape her into the leader she is today.

 

Odom has been a dedicated member of the Archbold Medical Center team for over 32 years. She began her career as a patient care technician before transitioning into roles as a medical/surgical and emergency department nurse. In 1997, she advanced to become the Director of Risk Management for the healthcare system, a position she held for 17 years. In 2014, she was appointed Director of Nursing, a role she continues to serve in today with passion and purpose.

Kellie Odom

Kellie Odom

In her current role, Odom provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for several key departments at Archbold Medical Center. She manages the medical/surgical units, including medical oncology, general medical-surgical, orthopedics, and nephrology services. She also oversees the Maternity Center and played an integral role in the planning and development of the newly opened facility. In addition, she leads the IV Therapy, Bed Placement, and Central Transport departments. Odom collaborates closely with departments across the healthcare system to streamline patient care services and ensure the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care. Her deep commitment to both her team and the community is evident in every aspect of her work, and she finds great fulfillment in serving others through her leadership.


“I am fortunate to have chosen a career that was more of a calling. I love taking care of people. I love being a nurse and as a nurse administrator I also get to care for my staff and build relationships with them. I have had great mentors over the years that helped me along the way, offering advice and giving me opportunities to continue my career path. I want to do the same for the staff that I serve. As a nursing leader, I get to not only continue to have relationships with patients, but also to expand that out to my staff as well,” Odom says.


She credits her education at Thomas University with preparing her for advanced leadership roles. “TU broadened my perspective, strengthened my communication and team management skills, and enhanced my competence in healthcare technology,” she says. 
Odom also values the lasting relationships she built with her professors, saying ,“I really enjoyed all of my professors and was challenged by each one of them. I’ve continued my relationships with most of them since graduation and know I can still reach out to them as a resource if I ever needed to.” 


Among her proudest accomplishments is receiving the Outstanding Leadership and Achievement Award during her time at TU. She encourages current students and recent graduates to “never stop learning” and to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and discovery.


“Being a Thomas University alumni means a lot to me. I am from Thomasville and am committed to serve this community. Having Southern Regional Technical College and Thomas University within our community and partnering with them to offer educational opportunities that may not otherwise be available or convenient is wonderful. If it had not been for Thomas University and the partnership they have with Archbold, I would not have been able to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. I am so grateful that I was provided the opportunity to further my education through Archbold’s scholarship program and through the programs offered at Thomas University.” 


Kellie Odom’s story is a shining example of how Thomas University empowers students to lead both in their careers and in their communities.

Nicole Washington Gatlin
Executive and Clinical Director of
The Heritage Foundation, Inc.,
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, 2009
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, 2006

 

Nicole Washington Gatlin has dedicated her career to uplifting others through compassionate leadership and clinical excellence. As the Executive and Clinical Director of The Heritage Foundation, Inc., Nicole oversees the regulatory and clinical operations of the nonprofit agency—continuing a powerful legacy started by her mother, Dr. Gloria Jones.

 

Nicole’s career journey has been both diverse and impactful. She has worked across for-profit and nonprofit sectors, serving youth and families in outpatient settings, opioid treatment programs, and residential services for women with substance use diagnoses. Her experience also includes counseling in Head Start programs, employee assistance services, family violence intervention, and clinical supervision for aspiring professionals seeking licensure in addiction counseling and certification in play therapy..

Alyssa Blakely

Nicole Washington Gatlin

Among her proudest accomplishments is carrying forward her mother’s vision at The Heritage Foundation for over 13 years, while also mentoring and training the next generation of clinicians.

Nicole credits her time at Thomas University for laying the foundation of her success. “TU provided me with a comprehensive education in a family-like atmosphere with dedicated, knowledgeable professors who believed in me and supported me during my journey and continue to do the same today.”

She fondly remembers professors like Jodi Yambour, Dr. Steve Depola, Dr. Jim Patrick, and Dr. Pauline Patrick, who left a lasting impact on her academic and personal journey. The compassion and balance she learned at TU continue to shape her leadership style today.
Nicole encourages current students to take full advantage of the resources available at TU. “Get to know your professors and seek their guidance. If you want a university that truly cares about you as an individual, TU is the place to be.”

Her favorite memories of TU include having sports psychology class outside with Jodi Yambour and hanging out in the Hawk’s Nest.

As an alumna, Nicole remains connected to the TU community by serving as a placement site for interns and participating in continuing education and attending sporting events. 
Nicole Washington Gatlin exemplifies the spirit of Thomas University—resilient, compassionate, and committed to making a difference.

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