With over 30+ years of experience in the Hospitality Industry, I am a seasoned hotel marketing executive.  I am a C.H.A. (Certified Hotel Administrator) with the American Hotel & Lodging Association and T.M.P. (Tourism Marketing Professional) certified through the Southeast Tourism Society.  For the nearly 20 years, I was employed with Wyndham Worldwide, Inc.  During my tenure, I worked in Field Marketing, Regional Marketing, and Quality Assurance. In May of 2016, I joined the University of South Alabama (USA) as an Assistant Professor for the Dept. of Hospitality and Tourism Management.  The next year, I was offered the Interim Chair position of the Department and became Chair in 2018.  I served in the department chair position until I left USA in December of 2021.  In February of 2022, I joined William Carey University as an Assistant Professor of Business in the School of Business.  I serve in this role today, teaching international business, marketing, consumer behavior, and organizational behavior to both undergraduate and graduate students. 

In March of 2016, I completed my Ph.D. in Human Capital Development at the Univ. of Southern Mississippi.  I am, also, a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, as well as Gold Key International Honour Society.  In 2009, I completed my M.B.A. - Hospitality & Tourism from the University of Guelph.  The world-renowned research university is located outside Toronto, Canada.  In 1982, I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi where I was an ASB (student body) Senator, President of Alpha Psi Omega Fraternity, "Big Brother" to Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and was selected to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

In March of 2023, I was selected into the 30 Most Influential Educators in Hospitality by International Hospitality Institute and in June of 2020, I was elected to the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) Southeast Central and South American (SECSA) Federation Board of Directors, serving as the Director of Marketing through the spring of 2022.  Additionally, I served on the Deans and Directors Council for ICHRIE and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) – International Honorary Hospitality Society.  Currently, I serve on the Board of Governors for the ESD as Director of Professional Development, Vice President of Membership for SMP (Sales and Marketing Professionals), and President-Elect for the Hattiesburg-Sunrise Rotary Club.  I have taught for the following Universities: Cal. State University - East Bay, University of South Alabama, and the University of Southern Mississippi, and now William Carey University.

Born in Germany, I am the youngest son of Charles and Virginia Thompson.  With my father serving in the Air Force, we had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Western Europe during two terms of duty.  Our state-side assignment was at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS where Dad was an instructor.   After retiring from the service, my father joined Syscon as a Systems Consultant Engineer.  I must tell you that I have been blessed with the most wonderful parents that anyone could have.  When I think of the unwavering dedication, guidance and support they have given to me, my brothers and the thirteen foster children, with whom we shared our home; I always choke up. If everyone grew up in the loving home that we did... well, we wouldn't have the problems in the world; we do today.

On Nov. 27, 1998, we lost my mother after a long fight with Myelofibrosis and on Oct 21, 2010, my father passed away due to Glioblastoma Multiforme.  I know I am biased, but the world just isn't the same without them.  Every day, I thank God that I was able to share so much of my life with both of them.