THOMASVILLE- The March meeting of the Thomasville Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) featured a program by Stephen Ferguson. The speaker was introduced by Chapter Regent Shelba Sellers.

Stephen Ferguson serves as the Vice President for Military and Corporate Relations at Thomas University. He works closely with student veterans and facilitates many of TU’s partnership agreements with the military and federal government. He has an MBA from the University of Maryland, is a past member of the National Association of Institutions for Military Education (NAIMES), past president of the Kansas Advisory Council of Military Education (ACME) and a current member of the Florida Advisory Council of Military Education.

In 2016, Thomas University established the Center for Military Life to help create programs and support of service members and their families. The Center provides a lifecycle support for a civilian that is considering the service through transitioning from active service. In 2025, 30% of their population is now military affiliated.

“One of the biggest programs that has not only benefitted service members and Thomas University but our community is a network of resources and coalition that we’ve been able to build through the Center for Military Life,” said Ferguson.

Resources in this area for veterans are limited. Thomas University worked to create a central location for veterans or service members to access these resources and established the Veterans Transition Center which is staffed with current students from TU’s Counseling Program. They provide support as well as case management and refer veterans in the area to the right resources needed. Ferguson said that TU is also a VA satellite location which provides services for area veterans.

For almost two years, none of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces made their recruiting numbers and for every 10 perspective service members that a recruiter talked to, only two were eligible to serve for various reasons. TU developed a football program which was directed towards transitioning service members and giving them the opportunity to play college sports. Thomas University was then contacted by the United States Army recruiting command in the Georgia Army National Guard with a proposal that TU partner with them to help create an innovative solution to incentivize military service.

Through this concept, Thomas University has placed 78 students in the Georgia Army National Guard. TU now has a program of pathway that allows students to exchange military service for free college. For 39 days a year, one weekend a month and two weeks each year, a student will get their tuition paid, receive a monthly stipend between $600 and $1200 a month and a credential skill set that complements their academic degree program. Ferguson said that both male and female students at TU have taken advantage of this opportunity to join the Georgia Army National Guard. Ferguson’s goal is for as many students as possible to graduate and then serve on active duty for four or eight years.

After his program, Ferguson introduced Joshua Dean who also spoke to DAR members and guests in attendance. Dean recently joined Thomas University as Coordinator of Military Affairs and is a 22-year veteran. He joined the United States Army in 2001 at the age of 17, before the events of 9-11 took place. He was one of five kids from a low-income family and the service provided him with the opportunity for an education. During his last ten years in the Army, he also worked in recruiting. Dean said that he received his education while serving in the Army but was undecided about what he wanted to do next but knew he wanted to serve his community. Ferguson approached Dean about the Center for Military Life at TU.

“Service is a way of life and built upon our character and the foundation that we’ve built through our lives,” said Dean.

Service starts immediately upon graduation of high school. TU instills service for these young men and women beginning their adulthood as a foundation and gives them an opportunity to move on after completing their education whether it’s for a four-year degree, a certification or a trade.

Dean said, “Thomas University’s Center for Military Life is the heartbeat of our community for our veterans.”

The veteran’s community outreach representative is very active at TU and teaches classes, helps with the Center and attends events. Thomas University gives back to the veterans in the community and provides information about behavioral health and counseling services available.

“The football program is a great program because it focuses not only on bringing service members in but provides a mentorship and camaraderie for those members transitioning from service and the opportunity for an education,” said Dean. They are able to serve and mentor the younger soldiers.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. More than one million women have joined the DAR since it was founded. To learn more about today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org. For information about the Thomasville Chapter DAR, visit chapters.georgiastatedar.org/thomasville/ or facebook.com/ThomasvilleChapterNSDAR.