Tommy Thompson’s 37-year Mizzou career has played a pivotal role in supporting the university’s growth, blending his management expertise, rich family legacy and a passion for helping faculty and students thrive.

Published 2/10/25

When Tommy Thompson first set foot on the University of Missouri campus as a student, the computer science major found himself staring at long sheets of code, searching for errors that seemed to multiply overnight. He switched his major to accounting, which offered little respite — just more long sheets, this time filled with numbers instead of syntax. Ultimately, he found his footing in management, a field that allowed him to piece together his many interests into a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Thompson, the Department of Biomedical Sciences’ business manager, has spent the past 37 years working at Mizzou — quietly yet powerfully shaping the world around him, one grant, one student and one day at a time.

To outsiders, Thompson’s work might seem behind the scenes, but his contributions are anything but invisible. He’s the person faculty and students turn to when they need support, whether it’s navigating complex grants, hiring new departmental personnel or simply finding a workspace for a student in need.

“My goal is to make things run smoothly,” he said. “I want to make sure it’s easy for everyone — both within the college and outside of it — to get the information they need to get their work done. I love to see the success of our students and faculty, and to know I’ve played a small part in both their achievements and the college’s growth.”

Balancing complexity with connection

Thompson’s ability to balance the financial and administrative complexities of an R1 research institution have earned him the trust of faculty and leadership alike.

“Tommy truly embodies the best of Mizzou,” said Doug Bowles, chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences. “His knowledge and expertise, particularly in budgeting and federal grant management is only surpassed by his commitment and attention to people. There’s no doubt he’s played a key role in the success of our department and college.’

That dedication goes both ways. While Thompson takes pride in supporting the department, he’s also found something just as valuable in return — a sense of belonging.

“BioMed isn’t just a department to me,” he said. “It’s a family. The collegial atmosphere, respect shared among faculty and staff and our common goal of advancing veterinary medicine and beyond make it a joy to come here each day.”

And, for the Jefferson City, Missouri, native, it’s a trip. Thompson has commuted more than 266,000 miles on U.S. 63 in his Mizzou career — each mile adding to his family’s Mizzou legacy.

“I always knew Mizzou was going to be home for me,” Thompson said. “My dad went to school here, my grandma worked here, and now, my son is a proud Tiger. I like to think I’m adding my footprints to those who were here before me, footprints for my son to follow, and hopefully leave an impression that will encourage others to add their footprints after I’m gone.”

If you visit Thompson’s office on the lower floor of the Veterinary Medical Building, you’ll see paintings made by some of his favorite animals: the tiger, the cheetah and, most notably, the black rhino.

It’s no surprise that Thompson, a man drawn to both stability and variety, is drawn to the endangered species. Much like the black rhino, Thompson exhibits strength, resilience and a quiet, steady presence — thriving in the background while making a lasting impact on the world around him.