Barry B. Thompson

Barry Baird Thompson (May 12, 1936 – March 1, 2014) was an American academic and administrator who served as the chancellor for the Texas A&M University System from 1994 to 1999. Prior to being named chancellor, he served as president of Tarleton State University and West Texas A&M University. He was named the chancellor emeritus upon his retirement in 1999.

Education and career Thompson earned an associate degree from Tarleton State and a bachelor's degree in Biology and secondary education from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Thompson earned a master's degree in administration from East Texas State University (now East Texas A&M University). During his time as president, the university's enrollment and fundraising increased substantially. Thompson led the university during a time of transition from an independent institution to a member of the statewide system. In 1993, the name of the university was changed to West Texas A&M University to reflect this change in status. In 1994, Thompson left West Texas to become chancellor of the system. In total, he worked in Texas public education for 44 years. The Barry B. Thompson FamilyThe Wallace-Meyers Wedding, 2007 Personal life Thompson was born on May 12, 1936, in Pecos, Texas. He married his high school sweetheart Sandra Sue Davison in 1955 and had four children: Karol, Kim, Scott, and Bart.