Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc.

05/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2026 05:50

Graduating Student Spotlight: Thomas Myers

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Outstanding Graduate Thomas Myers's passion for physical fitness has led to a career in caring for the wellbeing of others.

The transition from middle to high school is a difficult time for many adolescents. For School of Education and Behavioral Studies Outstanding Graduate Thomas "Tommy" Myers, it was accentuated by family accidents, breakups, and moves. Instead of succumbing to circumstances, though, he was motivated to become the man his family needed to depend on.

Myers is, in every way, a fighter. Physical fitness was a launching point, building Myers's passion and discipline. By the time he graduated high school, what started as a competitive hobby in Brazilian jiu-jitsu had become a scientific and practical interest in caring for the physical well-being of others. It is what led him to Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA).

Holistically Invested

Demonstrating his dedication, Myers has completed PBA's applied physiology and kinesiology program in three years instead of the standard four.

In his studies, his top research project has been a study of the barbell back squat, a tactical exercise that optimizes isometric force. Identifying the benefits of this exercise could make a difference in training regimes for athletes, the military, and first responders, he says. His study is the largest independent research project conducted in the Health and Human Performance Department at PBA, involving more than 40 participants and engaging several faculty members. He plans to continue his research after graduation while earning his Master of Science in Applied Physiology degree at the University of Florida.

"As I like to say, movement is medicine," he said.

Serving Local and International Communities

In addition to his research, Myers completed his training as an EMT-graduating as the valedictorian of his class in an intensive, five-month program-and uses his certification to volunteer and work at hospitals in South Florida. He's also ridden alongside firefighters to emergencies and learned to maintain a clinical approach in intense situations.

"I've seen people at their worst and been present to provide care and encourage them along the way to the hospital," he said. "I love reaching out to people. I give credit to the Holy Spirit [working] through me to serve people in that way."

Myers has found additional ways to serve, both abroad and locally. Drawing on his Brazilian heritage and familiarity with Portuguese, he spent the summer of his freshman year translating for and assisting American doctors on a hospital boat in the Amazon. Back in Florida, he teaches combat sports to youth classes. His teaching position began by simply helping and sweeping floors in exchange for free training, and now he is one of the head coaches for high-level, competitive students.

"I went into coaching thinking I was just going to be a coach," he said. "Now they call me Uncle Tommy or Coach, and I get to be a mentor and father figure. It's great to get on one knee and encourage them that they're competent and strong."

The Next Chapter

This summer, Myers will start a 12-month program to earn a certification in Advanced Life Support. In August, he'll have to balance the program with his first year of online graduate studies, but he's confident that he'll be able to manage the load. Completing his undergraduate degree at an accelerated rate while pursuing his research, mission work, EMT certification, teaching, and athletic goals has been good practice.

Having professors who accommodated his packed schedule was instrumental to his success, Myers said. When asked how he felt about being selected as the School of Education and Behavioral Studies' Outstanding Graduate in the class of 2026, he called it the greatest honor.

"Even though I'm being awarded, I couldn't have done this without the continuous support of my peers, my parents, and my teachers," he said. "It takes a team that pours into me physically and spiritually and keeps me strong in the faith so I can keep working unto the Lord and doing it all for His glory."

Learn more about PBA's School of Education and Behavioral Studies' programs at https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/education-behavioral/.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc. published this content on May 19, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 19, 2026 at 11:50 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]