Posted: 2/07/97

A&M Chancellor to Address Principal's Academy at TAMIU

The Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, Dr. Barry B. Thompson, will address members of the Texas A&M International University Principal's Educational Academy program at A&M International Tuesday, Feb. 4.

The Principal's Educational Academy program is a year-long workshop series organized by the University's College of Education for over 50 of Laredo Independent School District's principals and chief administrators.

Program organizer Dr. Rosa Maria Vida, Interim Dean of the College of Education, said the Academy is a unique partnership between the University and LISD.

"The Academy offers a series of timely and pertinent workshops which focus on professional leadership renewal. LISD approached us about establishing this initiative in the summer of 1996 and we have seen tremendous interest in the workshop and enthusiasm from the participants," Dr. Vida said.

She noted that the atmosphere created in the private workshop series is highly charged and offers remarkable learning and sharing opportunities for the District's key leaders.

"They share common problems and collectively learn about new and appropriate solutions. It's a learning environment that the University is happy to be able to foster and provide for the Academy participants," she explained.

Vida said she is especially honored to be able to bring a learned administrator, respected scholar and highly visible force in higher education like Chancellor Thompson to meet with the Principal's Academy participants.

"Dr. Thompson is an outstanding scholar with impeccable credentials and relevant classroom experience. He is a dynamic speaker and is considered by many one of our State's most visionary leaders in higher education," she said.

Dr. Thompson's topic for presentation to the Academy members will be "Participatory Decision Making - A Critical Tool for Principals."

Thompson, who became the 10th Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System in August 1994, holds his Ph.D. in Educational Administration, Sociology from Texas A&M University. He also holds an M.S. in Educational Administration, Physical Science from Texas A&M University-Commerce; a B.S. in Biology, Secondary Education from Texas Tech University and an A.S. in Biology from Tarleton State University.

He has served the A&M System since 1982. Before his 25 years of service in higher education, he worked 13 years in Texas public schools as a science teacher, principal, curriculum director and superintendent. As Chancellor, Thompson has worked tirelessly to support higher education initiatives that partner with public schools to improve the education system as a whole.

Never satisfied with the status quo, Thompson takes his message of education for the public good to communities from the Texas Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley, with more than 70 major speaking engagements each year.

For additional information on the Texas A&M International University Principal's Academy, please contact Dr. Vida at the College of Education, 326 - 2420.

A&M International office hours are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Bio

Barry B. Thompson, Ph.D.

Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System

August 1994 - present

A self-proclaimed "cynical idealist," Barry B. Thompson (known as "Barry B." by friends and colleagues, and "Dr. T." by former students and staff) became the 10th chancellor of The Texas A&M University System in August 1994. Thriving on challenge and often known as a force to be reckoned with, Thompson has made it his mission to ensure the A&M System is held accountable to the people it serves and the taxpayers of Texas.

Above all, Chancellor Thompson is a solver of problems. He believes the fundamental reason higher education exists is to produce knowledgeable, passionate future leaders for our communities, state and nation. He also believes strongly in the founding land-grant role of the A&M System. That role calls for the systemOs 10 universities and eight state agencies to take teaching, research and service a step beyond university classrooms to the people who can benefit from it most.

Chancellor Thompson has served the A&M System since 1982. Before his 25 years of service in higher education, he worked 13 years in Texas public schools as a science teacher, principal, curriculum director and superintendent. As chancellor, Thompson has worked tirelessly to support higher education initiatives that partner with public schools to improve the education system as a whole.

As many people across the state and in his hometown of Kermit, Texas, can attest to, you may not always agree with what this West Texas native has to say, but you can be sure that what he says comes from the heart and will include small-town witticisms and a hefty dose of common sense.

Educational Background

Ph.D., (Educational Administration, Sociology), Texas A&M University, 1972

M.S., (Educational Administration, Physical Science), Texas A&M University-Commerce, formerly East Texas State University, 1961

B.S., (Biology, Secondary Education), Texas Tech University, 1958

A.S., (Biology), Tarleton State University, 1956

Academic Appointments

Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System, September (1994-present)
Interim Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System, (August-September 1994)
President and Chief Executive Officer, West Texas A&M University, (1991- July 1994)
President and Chief Executive Officer, Tarleton State University, 1982-90
Chief Academic Officer and Vice President for Academic Affairs, East Texas State University Complex, 1976-82
Professor and Department Head, Department of Secondary and Higher Education, East Texas State University, 1975-76
Professor and Department Head, Department of Secondary and Higher Education, University of Texas at Pan American, 1971-75
Visiting Lecturer, Department of Educational Administration, Texas A&M University, 1970-71

Highlights of Professional Accomplishments

Author of more than 80 published articles, poems, essays and monographs on topics such as leadership, philosophy, archeology, physical plant management and higher education.
Consultant to more than 60 public and private educational institutions.
Named a Distinguished Alumnus, Tarleton State University, 1996.
Received the 1996 Golden Deeds for Education award, Texas Association of School Administrators. For The Texas A&M University System:
Developed the Center for Leadership in Higher Education to identify potential leaders within the A&M System and provide them with the training and education necessary to serve in future management positions in the A&M System and Texas higher education.
Led the establishment of the Texas Higher Education Coalition, a group of leaders representing all public university systems in the state. The coalition is dedicated to retaining and graduating more college students in the state with a detail-driven plan that calls for seamless partnerships between higher education, community colleges and public schools.
Reorganized the System Administrative and General Offices to provide better service to system members and bring the system closer to the people it serves.
Created Operation Lone Star, a public awareness campaign to reconnect taxpayers with the values of the A&M System and help educate them about the benefits they receive from the system.

For West Texas A&M University:

Restored fiscal stability within 10 months and increased fund balances by 46 percent.
Increased giving to development foundation by 135 percent.
Increased enrollment by 12.6 percent.
Increased external grant awards from $800,000 to $6,200,000.

For Tarleton State University:

Increased enrollment by 64 percent with an aggressive recruiting program.
Developed a computerized energy management program that made Tarleton the most cost-efficient institution of higher education in Texas.
Developed a nationally recognized alternative teacher education program.
Expanded and strengthened the non-scholarship athletic program to national competition level.
Supervised more than $50 million in construction and renovation programs.

Professional Memberships

Texas A&M University Research Foundation, 1982-present
Texas Chamber of Commerce, 1991-present
Executive Committee, Council of Texas Public University Presidents and Chancellors, 1994-95
Instruction Formula Advisory Board of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1993-94
Chair, Audit Committee, Council of Texas Public University Presidents and Chancellors, 1993-94
Board of Directors, Canyon Chamber of Commerce, 1992-93
Treasurer, Council of Texas Public University Presidents and Chancellors, 1988-90
Chair, State Affairs Committee, Council of Texas Public University Presidents and Chancellors, 1988-90
Texas Coordinating Board Task Force on Computer Science, 1978-79
President, Tarleton Alumni Association, 1968-69

Civic Affiliations

Boy Scouts of America
San Antonio Livestock Exposition
United Way
American Hereford Association
Appaloosa Horse Club
Houston Livestock Show, life member
American Cancer Society
American Quarter Horse Association
Texas A&M University Association of Former Students

Personal

Dr. Thompson and his wife of 41 years, Sandra Sue Davison Thompson, have two sons, two daughters and four grandchildren. Three of their children teach in Texas public schools. He and his family own a small ranch in Leon County where they raise racing quarter horses and polled hereford cattle. He is a descendant of a long line of Texans, with his first relatives coming to the state in 1846.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu