Thomas More University: A Legacy of Liberal Arts and Professional Growth
Thomas More University, a private Catholic institution in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, has a rich history rooted in the values of liberal arts education, combined with a commitment to preparing students for professional success. Serving approximately 2,000 full- and part-time students, the university's journey from its origins as Villa Madonna College to its present status reflects its adaptability and dedication to providing a transformative educational experience.
Historical Overview
The story of Thomas More University begins in 1921 with the establishment of Villa Madonna College by the Benedictine Sisters of Covington, Kentucky. The college was founded with the primary goal of training Catholic school teachers and offering higher education opportunities to young women. Officially chartered by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1923, Villa Madonna College graduated its first students in 1929 and became the official college of the Diocese of Covington in the same year.
In its early years, Villa Madonna was operated by three religious orders: the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Congregation of Divine Providence, and the Benedictine Sisters. Throughout the 1930s and early 1940s, the college experienced steady growth. By June 4, 1943, the commencement exercises celebrated ten graduates. Although initially established as a women's institution, men were able to attend many of the same classes through the affiliated St. Thomas More College, a college-level program associated with Covington Latin School.
A significant turning point occurred in 1945 when Villa Madonna was designated as a co-educational college, leading to the abolishment of St. Thomas More College. In the same year, the Diocese of Covington acquired the college. At the beginning of classes in September 1945, Villa Madonna College welcomed 28 Sisters, 56 laywomen, and 28 men, bringing the total enrollment to 112 students.
As the college expanded, the need for more space became critical. Several buildings owned by the Diocese of Covington were quickly repurposed to provide additional classrooms and offices. Over the following two decades, the college continued to acquire and adapt available space to accommodate its growing enrollment and curriculum. Notable campus buildings during this period included St. Joseph's Hall, St. Thomas More Hall, Cabrini Hall, St. Pius Hall, Talbott Hall, Cafeteria Annex, Columbus Hall (library), St. Jude Hall, Aquinas Hall, and Bernard Hall.
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In 1964, Bishop Richard Henry Ackerman, the school's chancellor, announced a building program to address the growing needs of the institution. This initiative led to the relocation of the college from downtown Covington to its current location in Crestview Hills in 1968. That same year, Ackerman announced that Villa Madonna College would be renamed "Thomas More College". The new campus officially opened in January 1968, with dedication ceremonies held on September 28, attended by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Kentucky's Council on Postsecondary Education formally granted Thomas More university status in July 2018, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history.
Academic Programs
Thomas More University offers a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines, designed to provide students with a comprehensive education and prepare them for successful careers. The university's academic structure is organized into distinct divisions, each focusing on specific areas of study.
Division of Business
The Division of Business offers programs in areas such as management, accounting, and marketing. These programs integrate practical skills with theoretical knowledge to provide students with a strong foundation for success in the competitive business environment. The Computer Information Systems and Business Administration degrees equip students with the tools they need to be successful and reach their full potential.
Humanities and Social Sciences
The university's programs in humanities and social sciences cover subjects such as history, philosophy, and communication. These programs emphasize critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad understanding of the human experience. The history department, with its distinguished reputation, prides itself on excellence in the classroom, high-level scholarship, and the development of new generations of historians.
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Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Thomas More University offers programs in the natural sciences and mathematics, providing students with a strong foundation in scientific principles and analytical skills. These programs prepare students for careers in fields such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics, as well as for advanced study in graduate programs. Majoring in biology has proven to be difficult, but because of the great professors and the help they offer, students are able to understand the content and succeed.
Education
The university's education programs prepare students for careers in teaching and education administration. These programs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become effective educators. Villa Madonna College was founded to train Catholic school teachers.
Admissions and Enrollment
Thomas More University has a welcoming and inclusive admissions process, seeking students who demonstrate academic potential, a commitment to learning, and a desire to contribute to the university community. In 2023, the university received 3,030 undergraduate applications, reflecting a 3.8% annual growth. The acceptance rate for that year was 97%, with 2,940 students being admitted.
The university has an overall enrollment yield of 13.5%, representing the number of admitted students who choose to enroll. In 2023, the total enrollment at Thomas More University was 1,947 students, with 1,292 students enrolled full-time and 655 students enrolled part-time. This means that 66.4% of students are enrolled full-time.
The enrolled student population at Thomas More University is diverse, with a significant representation of White students (76.6%), followed by Black or African American students (6.83%), Hispanic or Latino students (4.62%), and students of Two or More Races (3.95%). The university also has smaller populations of Asian students (1.75%) and American Indian or Alaska Native students (0.103%).
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Costs and Financial Aid
Thomas More University is committed to making education accessible and affordable for students from all backgrounds. The median undergraduate tuition at Thomas More University is $37,650, which is $13,075 more than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities ($24,575). After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $21,314.
In 2023, 90% of undergraduate students attending Thomas More University received financial aid through grants, while 60% received financial aid through loans. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and loans, to help students finance their education.
Student Life
Thomas More University offers a vibrant and engaging student life, with a wide range of activities and organizations to enhance the student experience. The university has more than 700 student athletes and competes in 29 varsity sports programs. The Saints have been in the NAIA for the past two academic years and will retain NAIA membership until completion of the 2022-23 academic year. In June 2022, Thomas More University announced the launch of esports, which joins the Saints intercollegiate athletics programs during the 2022-2023 academic year.
The student government of Thomas More University serves as the official representative of the student body, advocating for student interests and organizing campus events. The university also has a variety of clubs and organizations catering to different interests, including academic, cultural, and social groups.
Campus and Facilities
Thomas More University is located in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, a suburban community that provides a quiet and accessible environment for students. The university's campus features a mix of modern and historic buildings, providing a comfortable and conducive learning environment.
Notable campus facilities include:
- Benedictine Library: Houses the theatre and the Eva G. Academic Center.
- Academic Center: Features classrooms, a 375-seat auditorium, a technology and prototype lab, and the Dr. A. Joseph Heck Center for Entrepreneurial Outreach.
- St. Margaret Stallmeyer Hall: The newest addition to the residence hall system.
- Thomas More University Observatory: Features computer-controlled telescopes, CCD digital imaging camera systems, and telescope-dedicated computer systems.
Endowment and Finances
Thomas More University has an endowment valued at nearly $33.2M, as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year. In 2023, the university had a total salary expenditure of 35.8M. The university employs 32 Assistant professors, 25 Professors and 20 Associate professors.
Outcomes and Graduation Rates
Thomas More University is committed to student success, and the university's graduation rates reflect this commitment. In 2023, 35% of students graduating from Thomas More University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 51% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 52% within 200%.
The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Thomas More University is Female and Hispanic or Latino (100% graduation rate).
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