Thomas College

Thomas College, originally established in 1894 as Keist Business College, boasts a rich history dedicated to career training. Founded as a nonsectarian, co-educational institution, it has consistently adapted to meet the needs of students, evolving from its humble beginnings above a department store to a modern campus spanning over 70 acres. For decades, it was renowned for meticulously training accountants and secretaries, providing essential skills for the workforce.

The college's journey is marked by several pivotal transformations, including multiple name changes, such as Morgan Business College and Morgan-Thomas Business College, before officially becoming Thomas Junior College in 1950 and finally Thomas College in 1962. A significant milestone arrived in 1963 when the Maine State Legislature granted the college the authority to confer four-year degrees, expanding its academic offerings and preparing students for a broader range of professional paths. This growth underscored its commitment to providing comprehensive higher education.

Today, Thomas College continues to innovate and develop, as evidenced by its recent leadership transitions, including the inauguration of its first woman and alumna president, Laurie G. Lachance, in 2012, and subsequently Dr. Jeannine Diddle Uzzi in 2025. The college is also an active and dynamic environment, demonstrated by the recent decision of its full-time faculty to unionize in 2025, highlighting an ongoing commitment to shared governance and faculty involvement in shaping the institution's future. This engagement reflects a vibrant academic community where both students and faculty play a role in its continuous evolution.