WATERVILLE, Maine, November 2025 — Thomas College has announced an innovative new program, becoming the first Division III school in Maine, the only institution in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC), and one of the first Division III schools in northern New England to provide comprehensive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) education and support to all students.
NIL refers to the right of individuals to profit from their personal brand. This includes the ability to earn compensation from activities such as endorsements, social media partnerships, appearances, and more. While NIL rights are often associated with Division I college athletes, they also apply to students across all NCAA divisions and even to non-athletes who wish to build and manage their professional identities.
Thomas College has partnered with Opendorse, a leading NIL technology company, to offer education, compliance support, reporting tools, and consultation services. The partnership will help Thomas students create, manage, and promote their NIL profiles responsibly and effectively.
"At Thomas College, we are committed to empowering our student-athletes both on and off the field," said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Thebarge. "This new NIL partnership reflects our dedication to helping students take control of their personal brand. We're proud to be part of a forward-thinking initiative that prepares students for success beyond college athletics."
"As a coach, I want every Thomas College athlete to graduate with the personal and professional skills needed to lead and contribute to their communities," said Head Baseball Coach Ray Bernier. "Our partnership with Opendorse provides credible education in communication, branding, marketing, and contracts, so students can pursue NIL opportunities with confidence. This initiative benefits all Thomas students and sets a new standard for Division III institutions."
First Team All-American track athlete Emma Burr is a junior from Pittsfield, Maine. She's excited about the opportunity to pursue NIL deals and says the new format will make the process easier and less overwhelming.
"I know firsthand how demanding college athletics can be. Between training and competition, it's hard to find time for a job. That's why NIL deals are such a great opportunity—they can provide real support for student-athletes and motivate us to keep striving for success both on the team and beyond graduation," she said.
Burr is currently preparing for the winter indoor track season. After graduation, she hopes to open her own traditional-style diner. She believes the experience and education she gains through NIL opportunities will help her build a strong foundation for a future career in business.
Esports athlete Seth Watson, a sophomore criminal justice major from Gilbert, South Carolina, says the new NIL partnership is a big moment for athletes like him.
"This is so exciting. Coming from a small school, this will really help us get our names out there," he said. "In esports, it's not just about making money — we've got so many ways to build our brands. Streaming, social media, content creation, working with teams and gaming communities. All of that helps us grow our presence and connect with people. This is a huge chance to level up our personal brands as student-athletes and even beyond esports."
Watson plays on the Overwatch 2 Black, Valorant, and Marvel Rivals teams. Last year he was a part of the Overwatch team that won the Maine Esports Collegiate Association Local Area Network event we hosted here at Thomas.
Further advancing its leadership in personal brand education, Thomas College's H. Allen Ryan School of Business will launch a new course in Fall 2026 focused on helping students develop, manage, and market their personal and professional identities.
"NIL represents a major shift in collegiate athletics and a powerful opportunity for all students," said H. Allen Ryan School of Business Chair and professor Dr. Don Cragen. "Understanding how to use social media, marketing, and self-promotion productively is essential for career readiness. Our goal is to ensure students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with the confidence to manage their own brand in today's digital world."
"At Thomas, we are committed to supporting the education and growth of our young entrepreneurs. Many of our students are eager to develop social media businesses, become influencers, and create original content. This new platform empowers them to build business partnerships and pursue promotional opportunities on or off the field and in any area of interest," said Executive Director of Business Innovation & Corporate Campus Nate Pelsma.
Thomas College recently signed the contract with OpenDorse and will begin providing education to its students, staff, and faculty about NIL and this platform in the coming months.
About Thomas College
Thomas College, located in beautiful Waterville, Maine, is defining what it means to be the College of the Future. With a strong commitment to innovation, career readiness, and community partnerships, Thomas College is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of Maine's top colleges for social mobility. Our distinctive Guaranteed Job Program™, accelerated undergraduate degrees, and flexible graduate programs empower students to advance faster in business, entrepreneurship, education, technology, applied STEM, and arts & science fields. At Thomas, belonging isn't a buzzword; it's a promise. We create a supportive, welcoming environment where every student is seen, valued, and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.For more information visit thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at mediarel@thomas.edu or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
About Opendorse
Opendorse is the technology, data, and service platform powering the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) industry for colleges, collectives, consumers, and commercial partners. More than 175,000 athlete influencers use Opendorse to build, promote, and monetize their personal brands through the largest athlete media network.
For media inquiries, contact Opendorse SVP, Collegiate Services & Marketing Julian Valentin at julian.valentin@opendorse.com.
