Gov. Gregoire appoints Dick Thompson to WWU Board of Trustees

For Immediate Release: November 16, 2010

OLYMPIA- Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Dick Thompson to the board of trustees at Western Washington University.

�Dick�s wide range of experience both in and out of the classroom makes him an ideal candidate for WWU�s board of trustees,� Gregoire said. �Dick volunteered his services to help take on the huge task of coordinating our state�s Recovery Act dollars. His commitment to public service is unwavering, and will serve the university well.�

�I graduated from Western in 1965, and my father got his teaching degree from Western in 1927, when it was still called the Bellingham Normal School. So my family roots there are strong,� Thompson said. �I have a real passion for higher education, and have been involved in it for a long time. And I think a real commitment to higher education is critical for the future of our state, so I�m ready to get to work.�

Thompson has served in the administrations of three governors including Gregoire. He also worked as the president and chief professional officer of United Way of King County for four years. He is currently a part-time faculty member at the University of Washington where he has taught budget, leadership, integrated management and intergovernmental relations.

Thompson was born and raised in Everett, Washington. He received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from Western Washington University and then went on to University of Washington School of Law where he earned his juris doctor degree.