James M. Thompson's Introduction

Mr. Thompson currently serves as a graduate research assistant at The University of Southern Mississippi in the Department of Educational Leadership and Research. He is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Administration with dual minors, in (1) research and statistics and (2) instructional technology.

Prior to pursuing a PhD degree fulltime, he served as GEAR UP Project Director with the Lancaster County School District’s Office of Research and Development in South Carolina. During his one year tenure, he implemented and managed a $2.94 million federal grant and $600,000 in scholarship endowment, which targeted and provided a cohort of over 700 seventh graders in three middle schools with necessary tools and knowledge to prepare and enter post-secondary education. Additionally, he sought additional grant funding to implement and manage a $46,000 grant that provided a Saturday and summer enrichment program for students participating in the GEAR UP program; and a $45,000 grant that provided teachers with technology training and support.

Mr. Thompson also served as a seventh grade science teacher at South Middle School in Lancaster for three and a half years. His longing and passion for education steered him into the classroom where he believed that he could have a direct and positive impact on young children’s lives. As a former classroom teacher, he never considered himself as a science teacher, rather, a “teacher of life;” because he often taught students essential life skills. He was constantly motivating and shaping tomorrow’s leaders to demonstrate compassion and respect towards their fellow man.

Mr. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in psychology from The University of South Carolina in 1999. He earned a Master of Arts in Health Services Management and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University in 2000 and 2001 respectively. Additionally, he earned his Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2006. He will complete the requirements for a PhD degree in July2008.

Mr. Thompson was extensively involved with various community service organizations, churches, and outreach programs throughout the Lancaster community. In 2002, he founded Students Together Achieving Results Successfully (S.T.A.R.S.), which was a community service and academic organization. Among several of his civic responsibilities, he served as a certified instructor with the Lancaster County Chapter of the American Red Cross and was the Under Thirty Commissioner and third vice president of the Lancaster County Democratic Party. He held board memberships in The Adopt-A-Leader, Palmetto Citizens Against Sexual Assault, The Children’s Council, Mental Health America of Lancaster County, Lancaster County Council – Library Commission, Powerhouse Family Literacy Project, Fatherhood Project, City of Lancaster – Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee and Landmarks Commission. He also served in an advisory capacity with the Lancaster County United Way.

Mr. Thompson has authored and received grants that funded many school- and community-based initiatives totaling over $500,000. Among other selected honors and awards, he was named Beginning Teacher of the Year in his former school district; selected as a 2007 White House Fellowship Regional Finalist; inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; received eight Lancaster County School Board’s Trustees Awards; named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers; and received Kappa Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. – Omega Man of the Year in 2006.

He is currently an associate minister and youth minister at United Bible Way Church in Lancaster, South Carolina. While in Hattiesburg, he is under watch care at True Light Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Thompson enjoys reading motivational books, bowling, fishing, furthering his education, and most importantly serving mankind. When time permits, he spends it talking with his best friend and beloved mentor, which is his father. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his favorite woman that brings him pride and joy, which is his mother. He is engaged to Ms. Brandi Richardson. He credits his abilities, determination to excel in life, knowledge, strength, and talents to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He knows that without Him, you would not be reading the biographical sketch of Mr. James M. Thompson.