On August 1, 2009, Dr. Evelyn Maria Thompson was officially promoted to vice president of Research and Sponsored Programs at Tennessee State University. Thompson has held the position of associate vice president of research administration at TSU since August 2006.

Thompson replaces Dr. Marcus Shute who recently resigned his post of vice president for research and sponsored programs, a position he held for more than four years.

“Research is essential to the quality of TSU's educational academy. I believe that the fundamentals of this discipline enhance the experience of our students as they become engaged in various programs. It is important that our research and sponsored programs division be directed by a leader who embodies the spirit of discovery and leadership. I am confident that Dr. Thompson will ensure that progress and growth continues", said President Johnson in making the announcement. 

As the vice president for research and sponsored programs, Thompson will oversee the development of policies to promote the growth of research programs at the university. She will also manage grant proposal development and faculty and research development initiatives.  In addition, Thompson will serve as a liaison between funding agencies and university staff.

“I humbly accept the charge to enter the next level of service to TSU as the interim vice president for research and sponsored programs.  This position will present new challenges and opportunities for me as well as the division. I am honored to serve my alma mater in this capacity," said Thompson.

Thompson began her career in higher education at the University of Kentucky, where she served as assistant professor in the Department of Interior Design, Merchandising and Textiles within the College of Human Environmental Sciences.  In 1998, Thompson returned to her alma mater as a research and technology specialist in the Office of Sponsored Research. In 2003, she was appointed interim director of research and sponsored programs prior to becoming the director in 2004.

In the role of associate vice president, Thompson assisted in the development and implementation of the vision and strategic plan for research and sponsored programs. She also played a significant role in the university's research funding success.  As a key member of the research and sponsored programs team, Thompson helped the university obtain more than $35,000,000 in research grants.

Thompson is a member of numerous organizations including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Council of University Research Administrators, National Sponsored Programs Administrators Alliance, Society of Research Administrators International and Women in Higher Education in Tennessee.

She completed the National Council of University Research Administrators Leadership Development Institute in 2005 and won second place at the Society of Research Administrators International Symposium Annual Meeting in 2007. She has contributed presentations and articles to numerous publications and conferences including the National Science Foundation Summer Applied Research Program hosted by the College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science at TSU.