White House Honors Dr. Herbert Thompson

The White House has recognized Dr. Herbert Thompson, Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics at Bethune-Cookman University and other faculty and staff members at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as “Champions of Change” who are finding success promoting college completion and success. 

These leaders have worked with students, families, and policymakers to build pathways to graduation at their respective institutions. The event featured a panel discussion moderated by actor and E! News Co-Host, Terrence Jenkins, remarks from Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx.

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. 

Dr. Thompson is a tenured Professor of Biology and Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSEM) at B-CU.  Under Dr. Thompson’s leadership, the CSEM, which is organized into five departments offering curricula for baccalaureate degrees, recently assessed each program to insure that graduates have the knowledge to solve real world problems.

  A strong student advocate and graduate of Bethune-Cookman, Dr. Thompson continues to mentor students and faculty. Over the years he has guided many to careers in medicine, STEM research and STEM education. 

Prior to his appointment as Dean, he served as Chair of the Department of Biology and Project Director of the Health Careers Opportunity Program at Bethune-Cookman.