Why college football?

Service members learn how to function as an individual in the context of a team. Football mirrors that and it replicates the comradery of service life. Reinforcing those skills and values while veterans prepare for future careers means net zero waste.

What makes it a transition program?

In addition to mentoring from coaching staff—some with prior military service—TU is integrating its nationally recognized master's degree program in Counseling to provide both mental health and career counseling services.

Is it a real college football team?

Yes. The NAIA Sun Conference will sanction football and begin competing in 2023.

How is this different from the service academies?

Army, Navy, and Air Force have NCAA D1 teams. TU Night Hawks compete at the NAIA D1 level (comparable to NCAA DII). This allows for overall greater flexibility between athletics, academics, and lifestyle — making more opportunities for more veterans to play.

Can veterans already play college football?

Yes. Rather than “walk” on and win a spot on a conventional team, however, veterans are our first choice. As a transition program, our athletes can find purpose and finish their degrees without being the outlier in the context of a regular college football program.

Where will you find the players?

Our athletes are people who come from military bases and communities just like yours! Football team members generally range in age from 18-26. They are active duty military veterans, members of the Georgia National Guard, and Military Reserves. Nearly every branch of service is represented on the team but we’re looking forward to welcoming a member from the Space Force eventually.

How is this different from the service academies?

Army, Navy, and Air Force have NCAA D1 teams that are commissioning programs. TU Night Hawks compete at the NAIA D1 level (comparable to NCAA DII) and the program is designed for any rank transitioning into or out of national service. This allows for overall greater flexibility between athletics, academics, and lifestyle — making more opportunities for all who take an oath of service to play.

Why is it in Thomasville, GA?

Located on the Florida/Georgia line, the university is in easy proximity to 23 major military installations and 6 National Defense Industrial Association chapters.

Why Thomas University?

Thomas University is the only private university offering bachelor and master degrees in South Georgia that serves both active duty and veteran students. Our Center for Military Life provides programming that supports the entire life cycle of service members through special arrangements with partners like the Community College of the Air Force and Defense Acquisition University.

Why should small business leaders care?

Because a healthy, drug-free, educated, skilled, trained, cleared, workforce is the best investment we can make in the defense industrial base.

How can I help — get involved.

If you are interested in learning about providing internships, employment opportunities, mentoring or other ways you can support this innovative veterans transition program, please reach out to Kurt Stringfellow at kstringfellow@thomasu.edu or call 229.221.4625.

Want to know more about the Military Transition Initiative?

If you want to learn more about this program, visit thomasu.edu/military-football-program.

You can also email military@thomasu.edu.