On July 1, 2017, Richard J. “Rick” Thompson, PhD, became the founding dean of Cabrini University’s School of Natural Sciences and Allied Health. Originally from central Florida—just a little south of Disney World—Thompson most recently served as Dean of the School of Mathematics and Sciences at the College of Saint Rose in New York. Just two weeks into his new role at Cabrini, we spoke with Thompson about his career path and his plans for the School.
Cabrini University: Your degrees are in Astronomy. What was your planned career path, and how did you get into higher education?
Richard Thompson: When I first started graduate schooQ&Al, I saw myself working as a research astronomer on some isolated mountain top. However, my experience as a Teaching Assistant in graduate school—and also sharing an office with a professor from a small liberal arts school who was spending his sabbatical at my graduate school—led me to realize that what I really wanted to do was teach at a small college. I was fortunate to be hired at just such a college right out of graduate school. After a decade or so of full-time teaching, I began to think about moving into administration.
Cabrini: You have an extensive range of experience in different disciplines—math and science, engineering, business, education, nursing, and the arts and humanities. How did you gain this experience, and about which discipline do you feel most passionate?
RT: When I was hired in McMurry University’s physics department, I had to become a physics generalist very quickly. During that time, I also taught a large number of courses for the mathematics department. When I became a dean, I was given responsibility not just for the rest of the natural sciences programs, but also mathematics, computer science, and the social sciences. This required a great deal of learning on my part in order to properly represent and support these academic areas. Now I’m adding allied health disciplines to my portfolio and am looking forward to the learning opportunities that will come from this.
Cabrini: What attracted you to Cabrini?
RT: There were two things that especially attracted me. First, I saw a great deal of potential in the University. The opportunity to take part in its growth, the creation of new programs, and the strengthening of current programs, was something I found very appealing. Second, I got a great vibe from the campus community. I was searching for a place where I would feel that I was part of a community, where I would be valued for my contributions, and where everyone was treated with kindness and respect. Though I’ve only been on campus for a short time, I’m seeing that my initial impression of the Cabrini community was correct.
Cabrini: What are your goals for the School?
RT: The School already has very strong programs and a great faculty. I’m excited at the opportunity to help make the School even better. At the moment the goals are somewhat nebulous, but involve the growth of current programs, the creation of new programs, increased alumni support, and an expansion of the faculty. The specifics will need to be worked out in concert with the faculty of the School and the University administration, and I’m very much looking forward to this process.
Cabrini: What is your leadership style?
RT: My leadership style is very collaborative. I very much see myself as part of a team and that my main job is to serve as a support and a resource for the rest of the team. I’ve already begun meeting with folks all across campus (e.g., Enrollment Management, Student Success, Student Life) to learn how things work here and how I can play a role with each area.
Cabrini: How do you plan to engage with students and alumni of programs in the School?
RT: I’m looking forward to the beginning of the fall semester and the various events that take place then so that I can begin to meet with students. Ultimately, I would like to be able to get back into the classroom—that’s the best way to get to know the student body. I’m also looking forward to working with Institutional Advancement and getting to know the alumni of the University.
Cabrini: What do you love most about higher education?
RT: I’m still, first and foremost, a teacher at heart. Teachers are able to make incredible impacts upon their students. As an administrator, through my support of the teaching faculty, I’m able to magnify this impact. Watching students cross the stage at commencement after having seen their progressions over the previous years is the best part of this job. Hearing from alumni years later and having them acknowledge the impact that you had on their lives is a thrill.
Cabrini: Are you familiar with the Philly area?
RT: Though I’ve lived in PA before, it was in State College and I only visited Philly a couple of times. Since then I’ve been back a few times but primarily for conferences, so I’ve never really been able to explore the area. My family and I are really looking forward to the opportunity to do so now.
Cabrini: What do you like to do in your spare time?
RT: My hobbies include cooking, playing/listening to music, and outdoor activities such as hiking and birding.
Cabrini: Is there anything else that you’d like the Cabrini community to know about you?
RT: Just that I’m very happy to join the Cabrini community and I’m looking forward to meeting as many other members of the community as I can.