Mississippi State names building for Warren Thompson

The retired administrator credited with expanding Mississippi State's international reputation in forest resource education and research was honored in November.

The university officially named its new College of Forest Resources building for Dean Emeritus Warren S. Thompson, who served Mississippi State for 30 years before retiring in 1994.

Dean Emeritus Warren Thompson, left, and his wife Marilyn are joined by President Donald Zacharias at the ceremony naming the forest resources building in Thompson's honor.

In addition to service as forest resources dean, Thompson led the Forest Products Laboratory and Forest and Wildlife Research Center. The professor of wood science and technology also held the top faculty rank of Giles Distinguished Professor.

"Dean Thompson's manifold contributions span more than 30 years," said current Dean John E. Gunter. "This honor is a fitting tribute."

Among Thompson's accomplishments cited by Gunter were the development of the Forest Products Lab; long service as a wood science professor and director of the Forest Products Lab, through which he helped build an internationally acclaimed forest products research program; and administration of the former School of Forest Resources.

Thompson holds a doctorate from North Carolina State University. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Auburn University.

The 83,000 square-foot, $9.7 million building that bears Thompson's name was funded through a combination of state and federal support, private gifts, and self-generated university funds.