Thomas University Alumni Connections Winter 2026
Alumni Spotlight
Tiffany Huddleston

Tiffany Huddleston BS, MLS(ASCP)
Thomas University Medical Laboratory Science Alumni

After earning her bachelor’s degree from Thomas University, Tiffany Huddleston built an impressive career with Tanner Health System. From Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist to Blood Bank Supervisor, she now serves as Transfusion Services System Coordinator, overseeing accreditation, quality initiatives, and Blood Bank operations across the system.

 

Tiffany has been recognized as one of West Georgia’s Rising Stars 40 Under 40, named Tanner Health Employee of the Quarter, and serves as a delegate for the Southeastern Area Blood Bankers (SEABB). Her team also made history as the first hospital system in North America to go LIVE with an innovative Blood Bank automation platform.

 

We are proud to celebrate Tiffany and the impact she continues to make!

Thomas University Named a SACSCOC Torch Award Winner

At its annual meeting in December the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) announced the recipients of its inaugural Torch Awards, a new recognition program celebrating member institutions for their leadership in affordability, student success, and post-college outcomes. Thomas University was awarded in the Student Support and Completion category.

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SACS-COC logo

Enrollment Update

Thomas University recently launched the Stay Close, Go Far. campaign, a targeted digital campaign to reach local students. Over two-thirds of undergraduate students in the U.S. attend college within 50 miles of their home. Designed to reach students right in our backyard, the campaign focuses on communicating the power of earning a high value degree close to home, without sacrificing quality, opportunity, or outcomes.The campaign leverages a multi layered digital strategy, including:

  • Geofencing high schools within a 50-mile radius
  • Keyword targeting aligned with college search behavior
  • Programmatic advertising to reach students and their parents where they spend most of their online time
  • Paid Meta ads designed specifically for high school audiences and their parents
Stay Close, Go Far! ad

Ads are being served to students and their parents within a 50 mile radius of Thomas University, reinforcing the message that world class academic programs and supportive faculty are available right here at home.

TU Admissions Team

TU Admissions Team

Hand in hand with our digital marketing efforts, the Admissions team has been actively strengthening our presence across the region as we work to connect more students with the opportunities TU offers.

 

Our Admissions representatives are visiting 48 high schools across South Georgia, North Florida, and Southeast Alabama, engaging directly with students and counselors. These on campus conversations continue to be one of the most effective ways to share TU’s story, answer questions, and guide prospective Night Hawks as they explore their next steps after graduation.

Events
Thomas University Science Cafe
Mike and Trish Wisenbaker

The Making of the Reticent Archaeologist Unleashed
6 PM, February 17, 2026
Thomas University Smith Bonvillian Auditorium


Mike Wisenbaker works as a Florida-based freelance naturalist, writer, and photographer. He retired from a more than 30-year career with the Florida Division of Historical Resources. His work has included underwater cave exploration, working on archaeological and historical sites dating from the 12,000-year-old plus Paleoindian Period all the way up to the mid-20th century, and the management of Florida's historical resources. In late spring of 2023, he released his memoirs,The Reticent Archaeologist Unleashed.

Doug Alderson

America’s Alligator
6 PM, March 17, 2026
Thomas University Smith Bonvillian Auditorium

 

Doug Alderson's love for the outdoors and cultural history prompted a writing career that has spanned decades. He is the author of numerous books, including America's Alligator, Wild Florida Waters, The Great Florida Seminole Trail, and A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions: From Mermaids to Singing Towers. His articles and photographs have been featured in magazines such as Sea Kayaker, Coast and Kayak, Wildlife Conservation, Native Peoples, American Forests, Sierra, Mother Earth News, and A.T. Journeys.

Science Café is a forum for face-to-face conversation with scientists about current science topics.
Contact: April Penton at apenton@thomasu.edu

Athletic Highlights

Night Hawks hold off Blue Mountain rally behind
Payne’s Career Night

Shane Payne

The Thomas Night Hawks earned a road win over the Blue Mountain Christian Toppers on Thursday, Jan. 22. Shane Payne (pictured) dropped a career-high 31 points while shooting 9-14 from three in the win against Blue Mountain.

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Five Night Hawks finish in double figures as
Thomas flies over Point

Michael Smith

The Thomas Night Hawks notched their second SSAC win in a row with a victory over the Point University Skyhawks on Thursday, Jan. 8. Michael Smith (pictured), Teny Gakdeng, Jonathan Goldson, Armani Thomas and Je'Hvonni Hogan all were in double-digits in scoring for the Night Hawks in their win against Point.

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Night Hawks Overthrow Lady Barons

Night Hawks Overthrow Lady Barons

The Thomas University Night Hawks toughed out a win against the Brewton-Parker Christian Lady Barons in SSAC action on Saturday, Jan. 10. The game was an important SSAC road contest against Brewton-Parker, with TU winning 70-58.

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Big Third Quarter Lifts Night Hawks over SkyHawks

Big Third Quarter Lifts Night Hawks over SkyHawks

The Thomas University Night Hawks returned to action in 2026 with an SSAC win over the Point SkyHawks on Thursday, Jan. 10. TU shot 40.4 percent from the field and outscored the Skyhawks 22-5 in the third quarter..

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TU Athletics Calendar for February 2026
For a complete look at upcoming games, visit the
TU Athletics Calendar page at tunighthawks.com/calendar. ► 

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