A Thomasville student is officially set to begin her college career this month. JaTerianna Smith has completed IMPACT, Troy University’s new student orientation program, and formally enrolled for the fall 2026 semester, which kicks off on Aug. 12.
The milestone caps off a summer of preparation for Smith, who joins thousands of incoming freshmen and transfer students across Troy University’s system as they finalize schedules, meet advisors and get their first taste of campus life before classes begin.
What IMPACT Orientation Involves
Troy University’s IMPACT program is designed to help new students transition smoothly from high school or their previous school into university life. Sessions typically walk incoming students through academic advising and course registration, campus resources such as tutoring and financial aid, and opportunities to connect with fellow classmates and student organizations before the fall term starts. For many first-year students, orientation is also the first extended visit to campus, giving them a chance to get comfortable with the layout of classrooms, dining halls and residence halls ahead of move-in day.
By completing IMPACT ahead of the Aug. 12 start date, Smith has taken the key step needed to register for classes and begin the semester with a clear academic plan in place.
A Point of Pride for Thomasville
News of a local student enrolling in college is always welcome in a close-knit community like Thomasville, where family, teachers and neighbors tend to take pride in seeing young people take the next step after graduation. Clarke County has a long tradition of sending students to colleges and universities across Alabama, and each new enrollment adds to that legacy.
Troy University, founded in 1887 and headquartered in Troy, Alabama, is one of the state’s larger public university systems, offering programs through its main campus as well as additional locations and online options. Its reach extends well beyond south-central Alabama, drawing students from across the Wiregrass region and beyond, including students from Clarke County and other parts of southwest Alabama who make the drive to Troy or pursue coursework through the university’s broader system.
Looking Ahead to the Fall Semester
With orientation behind her, Smith now moves into the final stretch of summer preparation that most incoming college students know well: finalizing housing arrangements, gathering textbooks and supplies, and saying goodbye to the routines of home before diving into a new chapter.
Classes for the fall 2026 semester begin Aug. 12, marking the official start of what will be a new season of academic and personal growth for Smith and her fellow incoming students. Community members in Thomasville who know Smith are expected to be watching her progress with pride as she begins this next stage of her education.