Forest Resources Dean Thompson retires after 32 years

Dr. Warren Thompson, retiring dean of the School of Forest Resources, second from left, accepts a testimonial of appreciation from the Cooperative State Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Presenting the certificate is Dr. Rodney Foil, vice president for agriculture, forestry, and veterinary medicine, left. Also expressing their appreciation are President Donald Zacharias and Congressman G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery.

Dr. Warren S. Thompson, dean of the School of Forest Resources since 1983, retired after 32 years as an educator and administrator at Mississippi State.

Thompson, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Auburn University and his doctoral degree from North Carolina State University, also served as director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, director of the Mississippi Forest Products Utilization Laboratory, and associate director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

"Warren has been an outstanding leader in so many ways at Mississippi State," said Zacharias. “Certainly he had a great dream and we are right here in the presence of that dream.

"He told me when I arrived on campus that he wanted appropriate housing for the wildlife and forestry programs. Thanks to the leadership of Warren and a host of other people we today have one of the finest facilities for studying forestry in the United States."

Thompson began his career at Mississippi State in 1962 as an associate professor. In 1964, he became a full professor of Wood Science and Technology. That same year he founded the Mississippi Forest Products Utilization Laboratory and served as its director until his retirement. He became a distinguished professor in 1973 and in 1983 was named dean of the School of Forest Resources and associate director of the Mississippi Forest Products Utilization Laboratory.

Thompson has received many awards, including the Meritorious Service to Forestry Award from the Mississippi Forestry Association, the Distinguished Alumnus Award from North Carolina State University, and the Distinguished Service to Forestry Award from the Mississippi Society of American Foresters.