The J-TAC

Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Features

From being a part of a West Texas ranching family in Kermit, Barry B. Thompson rose quickly up to the Chancellor of the Texas A&M University system.

"My earliest memory [at three] is riding with the foreman of our ranch near Jal, N.M. to round up the remuda of horses to begin gathering cattle," Thompson said.


"From my antecedents, I learned the code of the west: never sell your soul, always keep your word and protect those who are the most vulnerable.' This code has served me well over the past six decades."


Many students recognize Thompson because the student center is named after him.

"Having the Tarleton student center named after me was one of the greatest honors of my life. It was totally unexpected. I felt and feel very humble, but proud that my lifelong commitment to students was recognized in this manner," he said. "I feel the honor was bestowed not only on me, but on the students, staff and faculty who have made Tarleton a truly first class institution."

After graduating from Kermit High School in 1954, Thompson received an associate degree in biology from Tarleton State University and a bachelor's degree in biology and secondary education from Texas Tech University. He then received National Science Foundation stipends from Utah State University, Texas A&M University, New Mexico Highlands University and the University of Massachusetts. He earned a master's degree in educational leadership and earth sciences from Texas A&M-Commerce and his doctorate in philosophy from Texas A&M University.

"I wanted to complete my doctorate as a child and wanted to be in the area of public service. I have always been a speed reader and consider myself a lifelong student, "he said.

Thompson began his career as a science teacher in Andrew, Texas. He quickly stepped up the chain of command and he became principal at age 25. He later became curriculum director and superintendent. He started his career in higher education in 1971 at the University of Texas at Edinburg. From there he became vice president of academic affairs and provost for Texas A&M-Commerce. In 1982, he became President at Tarleton and in 1991, president of West Texas A&M University. From 1994 to 1999, he was the chancellor and chief executive for the Texas A&M University System.

He is now retired and travels around Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Kansas with his race horses. He has been raising race horses since 1976. He and his family bred and raised Spirit, who was named World Champion Quarter Horse as a two year old gelding. This horse earned over $800,000 during his career.

"Spirit is now retired and lives in a paddock behind our house in West," Thompson said.

Thompson is now in what he calls his "version of retirement."

"I continue to support Tarleton in anyway I can. My brother, Dan, and our families have created a presidential honor scholarship of approximately $30,000 to honor our parents who were Texas educators for more than four decades. My wife and I remain involved with Tarleton as I serve on the board of directors of the Tarleton State University foundation, and [I] am on the committee to build an alumi building."

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