Tara Thompson
Helpful. Knowledgeable. Genuinely concerned. Loves her job. The best.
Sift through a stack of RLC Advising Evaluation Forms, and these are the kinds of comments you’ll find about Academic Advisor Tara Thompson.
Why students love Tara is no mystery – she cares enough to hold them to high standards and helps them believe they can accomplish their dreams. A shining example is when Tara implemented the Suspension-to-Probation Program, which has helped hundreds of students get back on track toward their educational goals.
“Your encouragement made the difference from me being on academic suspension to finally receiving what I dreamed countless nights for, my diploma and degree,” wrote one student on an evaluation form about Tara. “True, there were other people that helped, too, but you personally communicated with my instructors to check my progress. You have given me the courage and confidence to move on and complete my bachelor’s. If you ever wonder if you are making a positive difference, you have a believer in me.”
Tara has shared her passion for the Suspension-to-Probation Program in writing in the National Academic Advising Association’s quarterly electronic publication, and she’s presented information on the program many times, including at the 2006 DCCCD Conference Day.
Tara’s colleagues and administrators have recognized her excellence. She was the 2007-08 recipient of the Jean Sharon Griffith award for Student Development Leadership. She also was nominated as a member of the Suspension Advising Team for the 2006-07 Jean Sharon Griffith award. She was the 1999-2000 Professional Support Staff Association Part-Time Employee of the Year; and the March 2000 Employee of the Month.
Tara’s love of Richland College began with her own education. She earned a stellar 4.0 GPA and an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from RLC. She was named to President’s Honor Roll three times. She went on to graduate summa cum laude from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She also earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Amber University.