The Stories that Connect Us

THE Stories THAT CONNECT US With the commercialization of geneticbased testing, discovering your personal genealogy has become both popular and easily accessible. Yet, for those related through shared affiliation, like our Bulldog family, combing through the family tree is not always so simple. Faculty Emeritus, Mr. James “Jim” Thompson (Mr. T) knows first-hand the time and dedication it takes to illuminate the legacy of even the most prestigious of Bulldogs. Mr. T’s 35-year tenure at Wesleyan, on its own, demonstrates his love for the University. Since retiring in 2006, he remains engaged by visiting campus regularly and diving into the great work of our alumni. Most recently, he spearheaded the University’s recognition of Dr. Tommy Lee “Tom” Phillips, ’51. It started when Mr. T nominated Dr. Phillips for the 2019 J. Neal Ensminger Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. T invested his time in long-term research on the lifelong accomplishments of Dr. Phillips, a paleobotany research scientist renowned for developing the largest coal ball collection in the world. “My months of research and inquiry, after learning of the death of Dr. Phillips in July 2018, resulted in my heartfelt belief that he should be nominated for the Distinguished Alumnus Award,” Thompson said. “The nomination was successful as a result of my studies of his two years of activities at Tennessee Wesleyan (1949- 1951), along with information about his educational achievements, service in the U.S. Army and his 44-year career of scientific research and teaching at the University of Illinois.” His research process involved reaching out to relatives of the Phillips family, including Tom’s wife. Although Dr. Phillips was named the 2019 J. Neal Ensminger Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Mr. T wanted to ensure this alumnus’s story was not forgotten. “Dr. Phillips’ wife provided much personal information which enabled me to learn of his 44-year teaching and research career,” Thompson explained. “I was pleased the Alumni Awards Committee selected Dr. Phillips, although I felt that much of the story remained to be told.” Continue reading this digital extra at tnwesleyan.edu/arches. 1971 Accepted Sociology faculty position Behavioral Science Department Chair for 20+ years Faculty Athletics Representative for 20 years Eligibility Chair for Appalachian Athletic Conference members for 18 years 1999 Elected to the TWU Hall of Fame Faculty Representative to the Board of Trustees for 6 years 2004 NAIA Athletic Administrator of the Year 2006 Retired as an Emeritus Professor Thompson’s Contributions to Tennessee Wesleyan: 1984 served a 7 month interim term performing duties of the Academic Dean 1999 Received Nocatula Award, a recognition for serving the college twenty-five years or more