Life, for me, has been an opportunity of service in the fields of education and ministry; 56 years in pastoral ministry and 48 years in education. A&M-Commerce has been a tremendous influence in my life, and I have many A&M-Commerce role models whose influence lives on.
Ray Thompson, Ed.D.
- Alum
Educational Leadership
Ray Thompson, Ph.D., views education as an avenue to serve his fellow man and positively impact the lives of students. He believes there is a particular joy and intrinsic reward in seeing someone learn new and exciting information that will result in achievement.
He regards himself as a pragmatist with a practitioner-focused, problem-solving approach. Transformation theory is the foundation for his belief that everyone can learn and achieve greater heights of performance. He desires to be instrumental in bringing about learning and its application to the lives of students. He believes it is imperative to provide students with the best possible education while showing them the respect and hope they deserve.
Thompson and his wife, Maeva, have been married for 50 years, with two amazing children, Melady and James Paul. He says one of the blessings of advanced age are his three granddaughters, Molly, Kara and Anna.
“Life, for me, has been an opportunity of service in the fields of education and ministry; 56 years in pastoral ministry and 48 years in education,” Thompson says. “A&M-Commerce has been a tremendous influence in my life, and I have many A&M-Commerce role models whose influence lives on.”
A Conversation with Dr. Thompson
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?
We believe in the potential of each student. As instructors, we journey with them, guiding and teaching them in the achievement of their life goals. Educational Leadership is practitioner-based, providing students with real-world learning and opportunities. Students are valued as aspiring leaders of student learning by providing relevant education in a changing world.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Educational Leadership, Stephen F. Austin State University, 2007
- M.Ed., Elementary Education, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 1975
- M.Div., BMA Theological Seminary, 1972
- B.A., Religion/Sociology, East Texas Baptist University, 1969
Experience
- Associate Professor, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2018-2024
- Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2012-2018
- Assistant Dean, School of Graduate and Professional Studies, LeTourneau University, 2009-2012
- Adjunct Instructor, LeTourneau University, 2002-2009
- Teacher, Overton Independent School District, 2004-2007
- Program Specialist, Texas Education Agency, 2002-2004
- Superintendent, Caddo Mills Independent School District, 1998-2002
- Superintendent, Harmony Independent School District, 1983-1998
- Teacher, Harmony Independent School District, 1978-1983
- Teacher, Harmony Independent School District, 1972-1974