Cleon F. Thompson facts for kids

Dr. Cleon Franklin Thompson Jr. was an important American educator. He is best known for leading two big universities in North Carolina. He was the seventh chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the eighth chancellor of Winston-Salem State University.

Dr. Cleon Thompson's Early Life and Schooling

Cleon Thompson Jr. was born in New York, New York. However, he grew up and went to public school in Bennettsville, South Carolina.

College and Advanced Degrees

Thompson attended North Carolina Central University. There, he earned his first two degrees in biology. Later, in 1977, he earned his Doctor of Education Administration from Duke University. He also studied political science, economics, and educational law.

Dr. Thompson's Career in Education

After finishing his studies at North Carolina Central University, Dr. Thompson worked at several different schools. From 1956 to 1960, he was a senior research assistant at the Medical School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Teaching and Leadership Roles

From 1960 to 1961, he taught biology at North Carolina A&T State University. Then, from 1961 to 1965, he was a professor and acting head of the Biology Department at Tuskegee University.

From 1965 to 1983, he worked at Shaw University. He was a biology professor, head of the science division, and vice president for academic affairs. He also served as provost and acting president.

Mentorship and University System Work

While at Shaw University, Dr. Thompson became friends with Terry Sanford. Sanford was a former Governor of North Carolina and later the President of Duke University. Sanford encouraged Thompson to join a special doctoral program at Duke. This program was designed to train future college presidents.

As part of a class project, Thompson interviewed William Friday, who was the President of the University of North Carolina system. Friday was very impressed with Thompson. He offered him a part-time job in his department. In 1975, Thompson became the vice president for Student Services and Special Programs for the University of North Carolina system. He helped solve a big issue about desegregation (ending separation based on race) with the government.

Leading Universities as Chancellor

On November 1, 1980, Dr. Thompson became the interim Chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He served in this role for one year.

In 1985, Dr. Thompson was chosen to be the eighth chancellor of Winston-Salem State University. Dr. Friday had recommended him for this important job.

Improving Winston-Salem State University

During his time at Winston-Salem State, Dr. Thompson focused on making academics better. He hired great teachers and made student admission rules stronger. He also improved the general studies program and worked to meet high accreditation standards.

Under his leadership, the nursing school was made stronger. The university also focused more on student research. They also created partnerships with private companies, the government, and other universities. In 1995, Dr. Thompson left Winston-Salem State University after ten years. He continued to work within the University of North Carolina System.

Dr. Thompson's Lasting Legacy

The Cleon F. Thompson Center at Winston-Salem State University is named in his honor. This building was finished in 1996. It holds important offices like the university's post office, bookstore, and financial aid department. It also has the admissions office and the Kennedy Dining Hall.