Thomas More College (TMC) in Crestview Hills, Ky., announces new programs and activities, including a new academic major in athletic training, the formation of a marching band and the addition of women’s lacrosse. Thomas More College President Dave Armstrong said that each of these new offerings is expected to appeal to a wide variety of current and prospective students, giving them opportunities to expand their skills and continue developing talents. “As Thomas More College continues to expand its reach and relevance in the region, we are seeking to find programs that are mission-centric and appeal to the quality students who thrive here.  Our faculty have been working on a launch of athletic training as a major for the last several years because it is founded in the strength of our science programs and there is a growing market for this profession. Initiating a marching band has great appeal because of its relation to the liberal arts, and the students in this region have an intense passion for excellence in this genre. Women’s lacrosse is an emerging sport in the NCAA, and bringing it to Thomas More will enhance the strong tradition of women’s athletic programs here.”

Athletic training will be offered as a new major during the current academic year, bringing the total number of majors offered to 34.  Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Thomas More College Brad Bielski noted that athletic training fits well with the academic offerings already available and the college is currently recruiting for the program. “Our goal is to begin offering the classes in the major and work concurrently to achieve program accreditation so that our graduates will have the best job opportunities available. Initially, we are planning for 20 students, but will expand in accordance with demand. The program is academically rigorous, requiring a strong science component as well as the courses in our challenging, liberal arts core curriculum. Our graduates will not only be prepared to be excellent trainers, but they will also be prepared to be critical thinkers and leaders in their field,” he said.

The new marching band opportunity is being developed as a co-curricular activity which allows students to pursue their interest in this musical discipline simply for the love of it or as a complement to pursuing an associates degree in music.  Thomas More College Vice President for Student Affairs Matthew Webster elaborated, “This region is a hotbed for high school bands and the area is very competitive. Now, students have a chance to continue their passion for marching band here at Thomas More College.”  According to Webster, the formation of the band and a search for the conductor is currently underway.

Women’s lacrosse will begin as a varsity sport during the 2014-15 academic year. According to the most recent research by the Sports Marketing Surveys USA, it is the fastest-growing team sport in the United States. The addition of women’s lacrosse will bring the total number of athletic teams at Thomas More to 19 (10 women and nine men). The team will play in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC), which will officially sponsor a championship in women’s lacrosse during the 2014-15 academic year. Currently, Saint Vincent College, Thiel College, Washington & Jefferson College and Waynesburg University sponsor women’s lacrosse as a varsity sport in the PAC.  According to Thomas More College Athletic Director Terry Connor, a national search for a head coach will begin immediately.  “We believe that lacrosse will provide us another level to showcase our student-athletes at Thomas More,” he added.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact the Office of Admissions at 859-344-3332 or visit www.thomasmore.edu.