Celebrating the Graduating Class of 2024: Davon Thomas

The University of San Diego would like to congratulate all of our wonderful students who are graduating this year. We will be spotlighting students from across campus, sharing their educational journeys leading up to graduation.

Davon Thomas is graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Thomas grew up in Maryland and was in foster care until he was adopted in 1996. 

“Growing up in the greater Baltimore area, specifically Edgewood, there is a lot of gang violence, drug use and a lot of things that would cause the normal person a high level of stress and anxiety,” said Thomas. “Having nine siblings, coupled with the stress of growing up in that environment, and being adopted from the foster care system – that all led me to want to have a better understanding of the human mind and pursue a degree in psychology.” 

In 2011, Thomas enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served as a drill instructor and a martial arts instructor trainer. Eventually, the Marine Corps led him to the University of San Diego. Thomas was selected for the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP), which offers qualified Marines the chance to go to a four-year college full-time, while maintaining active-duty status. The transition from instructor to student was difficult for Thomas. 

“You go from training 18-year-olds and 19-year-olds, to being in class with them. So that was a bit of a culture shock coming from that environment to this environment,” he said.

Thomas says his wife, who is currently a drill instructor on MCRD San Diego, was his biggest support system throughout his experience at USD. Thomas says her professionalism, performance and leadership set a positive example for him. During Thomas’ last semester at USD, his son Desmond was born. Thomas says it was challenging managing his time between being a new father while taking on a demanding course load. But, Thomas says it was all worth it and he hopes his journey will set a great example for his son. 

“I want him to know it wasn’t a walk in the park, it wasn’t something that was handed to me, it was something that I had to earn. But, I also want him to know that his father really wants him to look up to him,” he said.