Sarah Thomas, groundbreaking NFL ref, to receive honorary degree from University of Mobile
Updated May 04, 2021;
Posted May 04, 2021
Pascagoula native Sarah Thomas pictured sans mask in 2019 is the first female to be named to the officiating crew for the Super Bowl, the NFL announced this week.
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Groundbreaking NFL referee Sarah Bailey Thomas will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Mobile as she speaks at her alma mater’s commencement this weekend.
Thomas, a native of Pascagoula, graduated from UM in 1995. She began officiating high school football in Mississippi, advanced to college games and in 2015 became an NFL official. In February she became the NFL’s first female official at a Super Bowl.
Super Bowl’s first female official to be awarded doctorate at University of Mobile
MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) The University of Mobile will award the doctor of humane letters to Sarah Bailey Thomas, a UM graduate who shattered glass ceilings and became the first female official to work a Super Bowl earlier this year.
Thomas will deliver the commencement address at the outdoor ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 8. Graduation will be held at the Christian university campus on the Dr. Fred and Sue Lackey Great Commission Lawn and live streamed at umobile.edu/graduation.
More than 270 degrees will be awarded, including the first doctoral degrees from the University of Mobile’s new doctoral programs: the Doctor of Musical Arts in vocal performance, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. The new Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program begins in August.
Pascagoula native Sarah Thomas, Super Bowl's first female official, to be awarded doctorate at University of Mobile wxxv25.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wxxv25.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Feb 5, 2021
Sarah Bailey Thomas is the most famous person I ve ever known...
Let s go back many many years. My Dad was the school principal at Escatawpa Elementary where Spencer and Donna Bailey were teachers. Lots of mutual respect between my Dad and the Baileys. Spencer and Donna are Sarah s parents and if you grew up around Pascagoula, you knew Sarah or her brothers Lea or Scott. Later in life, we all went to the same church, so I ve known the Bailey s and their children for many years. And- my wife went to school and graduated (I believe,) with Lea. I m the ole fogey amongst this bunch. I knew them, but wasn t in the loop with all of their friends because I m 7-8 years older. I do know that the Bailey s are a GREAT family and have always been involved in sports. I ve met a lot of stars over my career but am so proud of Sarah and all she s accomplished. She s the most famous person I ve ever known! Go get em Sarah Bailey Thomas!