2008 Woodie Awards
Holt Spotlight Interview: Professor of Business, Ronald Thompson
Jean Bernard Chery
Issue date: 10/21/05 Section: Holt News
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He has been teaching here since 1998, and among the courses he taught are: Management and Leadership, International Business, and Marketing. Besides Rollins, he has been teaching Online and On-ground at University of Phoenix.
He taught Business Research Methods and Business Development at Nova Southeastern University and Florida Atlantic University. He had taught at Keller Graduate School of Business and DeVry University.
Professor Thompson grew up in Milan, a very small agricultural town in Tennessee. He earned a bachelor degree in science, a bachelor degree in arts, and a master degree in science engineering at the University of Tennessee. He is currently working on his doctorate at Nova Southeastern University. He specializes in Industrial Engineering and Marketing.
Mr. Thompson enjoys teaching for the most part because of interaction with students. In fact, when asked about what he likes the most about teaching, his answer was very short and simple, "The Students." He advises Rollins students who are going to graduate school to "Be prepared, follow up and study." As friendly as Professor Thompson is it is virtually not a surprise that one of the reasons he chooses to teach here at the Hamilton Holt School is "Students and the Friendly Atmosphere."
As Professor Thompson loves his students, they do love him likewise. What they love the most about Professor Thompson is his teaching style. In one of the many informal conversations I had with fellows students about Professor Thompson, one comrade that I cannot recall the name at this moment told me, "on top of his beautiful accent, I love the way he teaches.
He understands that we are adults with lots of responsibilities. He places all his PowerPoint presentations on blackboard in advance. They are very detailed and easy to comprehend." He went on to say, "If we are not 100 percent ready before each class session, it is not Professor Thompson's fault. He provides us with everything necessary to come to class prepared to learn."
Mr. Thompson's ideal location for a vacation is Africa. He enjoys reading and listening to jazz. His favorite Book is Winning by Jack Welch and his favorite Play is Les Miserable. Professor Thompson's preferred dish is seafood. As for leisure, he enjoys "Nature Photography," Fishing, playing golf, watching Tennessee football and Orlando Magic basketball.