B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 41 It was not just the historical allure or beauty of the campus that enticed Dr. James Andrew “Andy” Sheppard to become the university’s 12th president. He was drawn by the university’s connection to the community and commitment from the Board of Trustees for future growth. “I love being involved at a private college; it is like being part of a business on main street,” said Sheppard, who became Thomas University’s president in July 2016. “You don’t receive taxpayer support; you just hang out your shingle and make it work.” Sheppard gives credit to his predecessor, Dr. Gary Bonvillian, for his contributions toward the physical growth of the campus and expansion of the university’s international programs. Under the leadership of Bonvillian, who served as president for 10 years, several significant renovations were completed on the main campus, as well as construction of Smith- Bonvillian Hall, the university’s newest academic building. Bonvillian also oversaw the development of the Magnolia Campus, which is located one mile from the main campus, and expanded the university’s footprint from 29 to 74 acres. The Magnolia Campus now provides increased space for student activities, a renovated gymnasium to house the basketball teams, and two new residence halls, which are part of six planned for this location. Sheppard continues to transform Thomas University into an institution that attracts students from across Georgia and North Florida, as well as globally. Thomas University had a fall 2017 enrollment of 1,156 students. Of those, 63 percent were commuter students, 19 percent were residential students, and 18 percent were taking classes entirely online. The average class size is 12 students, which allows Thomas University to sustain a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1. When speaking to community leaders, Sheppard emphasizes the economic impact Thomas University students have in the region. “Our students are tied to the university whether they are living on campus or in the community,” Sheppard said. “They are spending roughly $1.4 million annually in goods and services.” Education Expansion Expanding educational opportunities for non-traditional students is an integral part of Sheppard’s presidency. “There are a number of people in our area that have a college degree but either want a career change or to build more skills,” Sheppard said. “This may mean recertification, especially within government jobs.” Sheppard, who is a member of the National Security Alliance, said with the number of military bases in South Georgia and North Florida, Thomas University is in the perfect location to provide educational courses for government employees and military service personnel. Thomas University recently opened its Center for Professional Learning to provide industry certification preparation courses and other professional development opportunities that are aligned with Department of Defense guidelines for all branches of the armed services. Classes are offered in a variety of formats, including virtual classroom, online mentored, and online self-paced. Thomas University President James Sheppard talks with students Landon Boyette, from Macclenny, Florida; Francesco Russo, from Naples, Italy; and Holden Alexander, from Green Cove Springs Florida, in the school’s Hawk’s Nest dining hall. PHOTO: PAT GALLAGHER