When friends, family and colleagues gathered recently at N.C. A&T State University to honor Alton Thompson, Ph.D., the occasion was ostensibly to mark his 10 years as executive director of the Association of 1890 Research Directors (ARD).

But that lengthy service is really just part of the picture. Thompson has served more than four decades in the 1890 university system, holding numerous academic and administrative leadership roles while championing research, mentorship and the advancement of 1890 land-grant universities.

“Your leadership, dedication and commitment to the 1890 community, and your work to ensure that 1890 students have a pathway to success, have set the standard for generations to come,” said Gregory Goins, Ph.D., dean of A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Mort Neufville, Ph.D., president emeritus of the 1890 Universities Foundation, thanked Thompson for his “friendship, his partnership and his leadership.” Neufville noted Thompson’s efforts have helped the 1890 universities strengthen their voice in Congress and national agricultural leadership circles.

Longtime friend M. Ray McKinnie, Ph.D., reflected on their relationship spanning 50 years, describing Thompson as someone who has always taken the time to listen and offer honest advice.

“He’s not always told me the things I wanted to hear, but he’s told me the things that I needed to know,” said McKinnie, associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T administrator.

“The thing that has never changed about him is that he doesn’t meet strangers. He’s always going to meet you with a smile,” McKinnie said.

Before beginning his tenure at ARD in 2016, Thompson served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Delaware State University. Prior to joining Delaware State in July 2010, Thompson was a tenured professor, dean and executive director for agricultural programs in the School (now College) of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at N.C. A&T State University for eight years and then served as interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs for two years.

He earned his bachelor’s degree at North Carolina Central University and his master’s and doctorate degrees from The Ohio State University.

For Thompson, the celebration came as a surprise and an opportunity to reflect on a career centered on service. “I’m grateful for the career,” he said. “That’s what it’s about: Serve.”