In Memoriam: Cleon T. Thompson, 1931-2024

Cleon F. Thompson, former chancellor of historically Black Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, passed away on January 27. He was 92 years old. Dr. Thompson served as chancellor of Winston-Salem State University for 10 years. Some of Dr. Thompson’s accomplishments as chancellor included a focus on hiring high-quality faculty members, expanding undergraduate research opportunities, and revitalizing the School of Nursing. University of North Carolina System president Peter Hans stated Dr. Thompson “was a trailblazer, a leader who envisioned great possibilities and worked to achieve them. I join everyone in the Ram family in mourning his loss.” Prior to his position at Winston-Salem State University, Dr. Thompson held academic appointments at two other historically Black universities. He served as a biology professor and administrator at Shaw University in North Carolina, followed by a one-year term as interim chancellor of North Carolina A&T State University. Dr. Thompson received his doctoral degree in education from Duke University in 1977, making him one of the first Black students to earn a Ph.D. from the university In a statement to the university, interim chancellor of Winston-Salem State University Anthony Graham wrote, “As we mourn the loss of a visionary and transformative leader, let us...