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August 31, 2025 2025 Fact Book: Doing Business in Maine

Thomas College: Central Maine’s College of the Future

PHOTO Courtesy of Thomas College Abigail Dulac

Abigail Dulac ’24 began her journey at Thomas College feeling unsure about her path. Through mentorship from the science faculty, hands-on lab experiences, and an internship at the Genotyping Center of America, she discovered her passion for microbiology. Just months after graduation, she launched her career at Poland Spring as a microbiologist. Abigail’s story reflects the power of relevant programs, personalized guidance, and faculty with real-world experience.

“Thomas helped bring my future within reach by giving me the support, opportunities, and confidence to grow,” said Abigail.

PHOTO Courtesy of Thomas College
Cole Ellis

Cole Ellis ’26 came to Thomas with a passion for entrepreneurship and graduated with a thriving business. As a full-time student and full-time business owner, he earned second place on Greenlight Maine College Edition, which creates programming that promotes and awards funding to entrepreneurs and innovators in Maine, for his pitch on Keep it Clean Heat Pumps. Cole’s experience reflects how Thomas College supports self-driven learners through educational innovation, and a career connected education.

“I had plenty of excuses to not go to college, but now I’m here and succeeding,” said Cole.

PHOTO Courtesy of Thomas College
Amanda Grant

After transferring to Thomas College from a difficult college experience, Amanda Grant ’25 finally found belonging. Through the TRIO program, faculty mentorship, and her work as a tutor, she not only raised her GPA but also became a leader in the community. Her story illustrates how inclusion, care, and personal connection remain central to Thomas College’s promise.

“At Thomas I flourished … these connections have only made my education and experience more valuable,” said Amanda.

These are only a handful of student stories that illustrate the incredible impact Thomas College has had on the journey to success for thousands of students, their families, and their communities over 131 years.

History of Bringing Promising Futures Within Reach

Founded in 1894 in downtown Waterville, Maine and now located along the idyllic banks of the Kennebec River in Waterville, Thomas College’s approach to higher education is rooted in student-focused innovation and preparing students for success in their personal and professional lives.

Over time, Thomas College has grown from a small school located in the Edith Building above F.W. Woolworth Co. on Main Street in 1894 to a 120-acre campus on the banks of the Kennebec River.

What began as a college to prepare the local community for business-related skills has turned into a college that offers more than 80 degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students across 19 areas of study to approximately 800 students each year from 27 states and 17 countries.

A lot has changed since its founding, but the core mission has remained: preparing students for success in their personal and professional lives, and for leadership and service in their communities. This is realized through five core values: student-centered purpose, integrity and accountability, belonging, innovation and adaptability, collaboration and respect, and community engagement and service.

Whether you’re a preservice teacher, a future accountant, or an aspiring biologist, the Thomas Promise means that the staff and faculty here will work with you individually to bring your promising future within reach. Every student — regardless of their background — can develop the tools, receive the guidance, and belong in an environment that helps them succeed, guaranteed.

PHOTO Courtesy of Thomas College

Leader in Innovation

What sets Thomas College apart is its bold promise: a guaranteed job. The Guaranteed Job Program™ — one the first of its kind in the United States — reflects the College’s confidence in the relevance and impact of its education. Eligible graduates are guaranteed to secure a job within six months of graduation, a commitment backed by an incredible 99% success rate.

Career readiness is central to the Thomas College experience. The curriculum is intentionally designed to prepare students for professional success from day one.

Beyond the Guaranteed Job Program™, Thomas offers students the flexibility to accelerate their academic journey. Nearly all undergraduate programs can be completed in three years, allowing students to pursue a master’s degree in their fourth year through the College’s innovative +1 graduate program.

This model began over a decade ago with the launch of a three-year bachelor’s degree in the H. Allen Ryan School of Business and the pioneering Kiest-Morgan Scholar Program —among the first of its kind in the country. Since then, Thomas College has expanded the three-year option across nearly all academic programs.

Today, Thomas remains one of only a few institutions nationwide — and the only one in Maine — to offer this unique combination of a job guarantee, accelerated undergraduate degrees, and flexible graduate pathways.

PHOTO Courtesy of Thomas College

College of the Future

Under the leadership of a new President and Provost, Thomas College is looking forward with a vision of the College of the Future by evolving its academic model to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world while preserving the close-knit, student-centered ethos that defines Thomas College. Thomas College is focused on creating an AI-ready generation and supporting Generations Z and Alpha with the durable skills they will need as the pace of technological change only becomes more rapid and less predictable.

Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi is the sixth president of Thomas College and a distinguished professor of classics. Bringing a strong background in higher education leadership, she is committed to expanding access to college education for students and their communities. Previously, she served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Adler University and as Provost at the University of Southern Maine, where she led initiatives that significantly improved enrollment and graduation rates. An accomplished scholar and community leader, Dr. Uzzi is deeply dedicated to fostering a culture of student success and belonging, ensuring that all students have the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

Dr. Uzzi began in November 2024 and is already making an impact by launching two new academic programs in high-demand fields: a bachelor’s degree in health sciences beginning fall of 2025 and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling scheduled for fall of 2026. These programs complement Thomas College’s longstanding strengths in business, education, and technology and reflect its continued focus on aligning academic offerings with workforce needs in Maine and beyond.

Thomas College’s new Provost, Dr. Jeremy Qualls, joined in July 2025. Dr. Qualls serves as the chief academic officer, overseeing academic affairs and leading efforts to enhance academic programs, strengthen faculty support, and deepen community and industry partnerships.

A visionary leader with over two decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Qualls joins the College from the University of Southern Maine. Prior to USM, where he served as Dean and Vice President of Research and Innovation, Dr. Qualls was Director of Academic Resources and Planning at Sonoma State University in California.

Dr. Qualls is known nationally for his work in STEM research, faculty support, and interdisciplinary program building. Drawing on his background in physics and a passion for bridging academics and real-world applications, he brings a strategic mindset that aligns with the College’s commitment to delivering career-focused education across a variety of academic disciplines.

The excitement our new leaders bring was kicked off by the largest graduating class ever this past spring, which included 40% who identified as first-generation college students and 75% who graduated with honors. Historically, 73% of Thomas College graduates have stayed in Maine after completing their degree.

“At Thomas College, we don’t just prepare students for the next step in their lives or for a single career. We promise to help them discover who they are, design the life they want, and define how they will contribute to the world they will inherit and transform it for the better,” said President Uzzi.

President Uzzi’s vision is to make Thomas College “the College of the Future” by building on its strong academic foundation to ensure that students are prepared for success in a rapidly evolving world. Thomas College will enhance its career-connected learning pathways, integrate emerging technologies, and create new opportunities for innovation in teaching and learning — while remaining true to its practical, personal approach. This means launching innovative academic programs and expanding opportunities for applied learning, including research, internships, and community and employer partnerships.

Since President Uzzi began in November, she has already deepened partnerships with many of Maine’s private high school partners and town academics from Thornton Academy to Washington Academy, from Gould Academy to the Hyde School. This spring the College partnered to deliver micro credentials in design thinking to students at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) and expertise in finance and entrepreneurship at Fryeburg Academy. This summer, the College will host international students from Maine Central Institute, and in October, MSSM will host its Robotics Symposium at Thomas College.

“Thomas has taken some important steps toward becoming the college of the future, and next year our pace will only increase. The future of higher education is being written today at Thomas College,” said President Uzzi.

PHOTO Courtesy of Thomas College
Dr. Jeremy Qualls (left) and Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi (right)

Thomas College

180 West River Road, Waterville, ME, 04901

Sector: Higher education

Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, President

Founded: 1894

Maine employees: 189

thomas.edu