Convocation: Aaron Thompson

This past Tuesday, scholars attended their last convocation. Dr. Aaron Thompson, the current Head of Higher Education for Kentucky, is a man recognized for his unwavering dedication to Kentucky and its students. He is known for teaching hundreds of seminars, receiving numerous awards and recognitions, and co-authoring at least seventeen books. However, these accomplishments could not be achieved without one all-important quality: grit. 

Since he was a child, Dr. Thompson was always reminded of the importance of getting a quality education. He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and was born into a coal-mining family who stressed education as an opportunity for social mobility. As a young African-American growing up during a time of school segregation, getting an education was difficult; yet, he persevered. He graduated high school as a first generation graduate then continued his education at Eastern Kentucky University, where he studied sociology. Later on, Thompson got his MA and PhD at the University of Kentucky. He worked in business, as a professor, and in various government programs. Dr. Thompson is a great example for students; with hard work, a tenacious spirit, and grit, anything is possible. 

Right now, he works to promote higher education in the state of Kentucky. Higher education creates a way for Kentucky to decrease poverty, improve the economy and job opportunities, and benefit its citizens. Currently, only about fifty percent of Kentuckians move on to higher education. The state is working hard to turn this statistic around. 

From Dr. Thompson, students can learn the value of grit. As the last convocation drew to a close, Thompson’s speech was a great reminder that the world can be yours (but only if you’re willing to try). We also learned not to take yourself too seriously; from the witty jokes and banter of the first twenty minutes of convocation, it was evident that Thompson lives this.