Russell V. Thompson - 2012 pioneer in education

Early in his career, Dr. Russell Thompson developed a keen interest in the achievement of students and he found real joy in working with young men and women. Given this, it did not take much to convince Dr. Thompson to make education his life’s work. Born and raised in Iowa, Russ attended one-room and three-room country schools for his elementary education. In high school, he earned all-district honors in basketball. He then came to Missouri to attend college. Russ received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville in 1956, and the following year he married Ruth Steeve. He then launched his teaching career at Hickman High School in Columbia. While teaching, he completed his Masters of Education in 1960, and became principal of Hickman High School in 1963. After two years as principal, he was named the director of secondary education and assistant superintendent for Columbia Public Schools. In 1968, he earned his Doctorate at the University of Missouri Columbia. He also completed a post-doctoral study at Columbia University in New York. Russ became superintendent of Columbia Public Schools in 1976, and served the district for the next 18 years. Thompson's tenure as superintendent was the longest of any in the school district's history. During that time, the school district was selected by the National Governor's Conference as one of 16 model school districts. Dr. Thompson joined the State Board of Education in 1994. He was re-appointed to the State Board in 2002, and served two terms as president. Throughout his career, Russ has held memberships and officer roles in many local, state and national professional education associations, in addition to frequent speaking engagements. He also has been active with Kiwanis International, the Boone County Historical Society, Columbia United Way, Children's Hospital and UMC Hospital and Clinics, the Boy Scouts of America and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, among others. Throughout his career, Dr. Thompson has placed an unending focus on student achievement and development. He has successfully promoted and established curricular programs which include outcome-based education, mastery learning, the teaching of thinking skills, gifted education, special education, substance abuse education, and career and adult education. Several of Columbia’s nationally recognized programs have prospered as a result of Russ’ innovative thinking and effective management. Programs such as Parents as Teachers, Partners in Education, as well as staff development and dropout prevention programs. His long list of distinctions and honors includes an invitation as one of six American educators to have lunch at the White House with President Ronald Reagan, and two commendations by the Missouri State Senate for Outstanding Achievement. He also was named National Education Administrator of the Year by the National Association of Educational Office Professionals, as well as receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Northwest Missouri State University. Russ and Ruth have one daughter, Lisa Thompson Griggs, who is married to Philip Griggs; one son, Kevin, who is deceased; and are the proud grandparents of Tucker, Tyler and Sydney. At his retirement from the State Board of Education in 2010, Dr. Chris Nicastro said Dr. Thompson has been a great friend of public education in Missouri for 50 years, and he has been an important voice in determining state education policy since 1994. Dr. Russell Thompson’s service to the education profession and to the community has been exemplary. His involvement in organizations, his dedication to family and his love for the education of the youth of this state are extraordinary. He is a pioneer.