Professor at Queens 1975-2012
Dr. Bill Thompson has been a long time supporter of Queens Athletics as a fan, as the faculty athletic representative, and as a member of faculty athletics committee. Thompson received his bachelor’s degree from Davidson College before attending Vanderbilt University for his master’s degree and doctorate in history. On faculty at Queens since 1975, Thompson has served as Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and as chairperson of the History Department, the Faculty Administration Council, the Faculty Campus Capital Campaign and of several ad hoc presidential and faculty committees. Thompson’s teaching and research interests included modern European history, intellectual history, British history and the history of the World Wars. He was, with the tiniest of budgets, the creator and developer for over 17 years of Dr. Billy Wireman’s vision of the International Experience Program, subsequently known as the John Belk International Program.
The renowned professor also worked with Dr. Dick Goode to co-create the original interdisciplinary humanities program that eventually became the Core Program. In 1995, Thompson was the recipient of the Joseph W. Greer Jr. Distinguished Professor Award. Recently retired from Queens after 37 years, he received an honorary alumnus degree in 2012.
As a well-liked professor Thompson has made the difference in many students’ lives and education during his tenure both in and out of the classroom. He has been a loyal Royal as a fan in the stands for many years and has cheered relentlessly for all athletic programs and their successes. Many fond memories include JBIP trips with teams and individual student-athletes, cheering on the basketball and volleyball teams in Ovens Athletic Center, cheering at the Queens Sports Complex, and standing courtside to support our tennis programs.
He and his wife Frances have four children between them and five grandchildren. Besides being Loyal to the Royals, Thompson would like to be remembered as a good historian and a challenging teacher, his original and eternal callings.
