Sister Margaret Stallmeyer provided Rotarians an insight into the past, present and future of Thomas More College. Speaking at Rotary’s June 11th meeting, Sister Margaret highlighted the continuing progress of Thomas More and its emphasis on a Liberal Arts Education. Sister Margaret became the 13th President of Thomas More in December 2004. The College celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2011.
Thomas More opened its doors in Covington KY as an all-women’s campus, then named Villa Madonna College. During the 1960s the College moved to its present location in Crestview Hills and was renamed Thomas More College. The past five years has seen a significant growth in enrollment, from 1400 to over 1900 students. Sister Margaret indicated that total enrollment would probably be limited to around 2000 students. She emphasized that the goal is to keep Thomas More small enough so that the faculty knows each student and provide an optimal learning experience for all.
Sister Margaret explained that what makes Thomas More unique in the area is that it is Independent, Catholic and focused on Liberal Arts. The faculty is recruited with primary responsibilities of direct teaching and an expectation of continued interaction with students. Thomas More is managed under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Covington. Approximately 55% of students are Catholic.
As a Liberal Arts College, the primary emphasis is on a breadth of learning. Each student is required to complete a vigorous core curriculum regardless of their intended major. The faculty at Thomas More hold themselves accountable for providing students with critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Student progress is carefully measured in an effort to improve both faculty and curriculum.
Thomas More also has an active adult program. Sister Margaret noted that the 2011 graduating class of 340 students was almost evenly divided between traditional and adult program students. The Masters Program at Thomas More offers the opportunity for degree completion in 20 months while working full time. Bachelor Degree Completion Programs are also available. Completion times vary by program and individual.
During her tenure as President, Sister Margaret has overseen major renovations to Thomas More’s library, science labs and athletic fields. A new free-standing chapel on campus is due for completion this summer. Several weddings have already been booked in the new chapel Sister noted.
Thomas More is working to hold down the cost of attending college. An agreement with Gateway College offers the opportunity for transfer of an Associate Degree. The College also offers students the option of an accelerated degree program, completing 4 years of study in 3 years for highly motivated students. The program not only saves the cost of a year of college but also gets the graduate into the workforce a year sooner. In an effort to find additional savings, Thomas More has held faculty salaries steady or limited to minimal raises in recent years. To learn more about Thomas More College, visit www.thomasmorecollege.edu
For information about weekly meetings, guest speakers and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, President, at amoynahan@insightbb.com or 859-802-0242. Visit the Rotary web site at www.florencerotary.org. Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.
