Campus mourns passing of education faculty emeritus Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson, photo courtesy of University Archives

UW-Green Bay learned last week of the passing of Phil Thompson, and associate professor of Education, who served for more than two decades at UW-Green Bay. Thompson was a lifelong basketball fan, and a regular in the “noon ball” league at the Phoenix Sports Center. He also served as clock operator for GB men’s basketball games for many years.

No obituary was passed along to the Log.

Thompson joined the UW-Green Bay faculty in 1971 as an assistant professor in the Education program, focusing in the areas of English and language arts. In addition to his instructional duties, Thompson supervised numerous independent studies and student teachers throughout his tenure. He routinely shared his expertise regarding teaching, classrooms, and curriculum matters by speaking at professional conferences, leading teacher in-service training, and serving as a consultant for school districts across Wisconsin. He also co-authored and presented an innovative language and literature text for the Green Bay Area Public School District. Thompson was recognized for his endeavors in 1985 with the UW-Green Bay Founder’s Award for Excellence in Outreach. At the time of the award, it was noted he “exemplified the finest in the ranking of the profession at UWGB.” In 1988, Thompson was further honored with a nomination for Wisconsin’s state educator of the year award. Thompson retired from UW-Green Bay in 1997. Upon the conferring of emeritus status, it was stated the recognition was due to his “tireless work at creating the first education program at UW-Green Bay and shepherding it through its continuous development.”

Written in collaboration with University Archives and Area Research Center.