University News
Longtime VPAS Announces Retirement
September 13, 2010
MACOMB, IL – Jackie Thompson, who has served as vice president of administrative services at Western Illinois University since 1997, will retire July 31, 2011 after 41 years of service. A reception will be announced at a later date.
Thompson was named vice president of administrative services at Western in December 1997. She had served as interim vice president, and prior to that role she was a special assistant to the vice president for administrative services and director of auxiliary services. In her position she is responsible for the University's business services, human resources, purchasing, Administrative Information Management Systems, physical plant, public safety and document and publication services. Thompson also oversees the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute and Media Resource Center. She has worked at Western since 1970.
"Jackie's significant contributions and leadership will be missed. Her vast knowledge of Western and her insight has made her an invaluable member of the University's administrative team, and has contributed to the many successes and advancement of administrative services at Western over the years," noted WIU President Al Goldfarb.
As vice president for administrative services, Thompson has served as the University's chief administrative, business and financial officer, and as treasurer for the Board of Trustees. She has been responsible for contract approval and administration, management of the University's facilities and construction programs and Western's legal compliance in conjunction with contracted legal counsel. Thompson has also served as the University liaison to the Civil Service Employees Council and the Council of Administrative Personnel.
Under her leadership, the Document and Publication Services (DPS) department was established, and a new facility was constructed to house DPS and property accounting to further streamline operations; a wellness program was created for University employees, including Western Walks, which lead to a full-time employee in Human Resources dedicated to training and development; numerous electronic business processes were established, including electronic timekeeping and electronic deposits; programming was implemented to diversify the civil service workforce at Western; and several construction projects and upgrades were completed, such as the restoration of Lake Ruth, installation of new steam lines and chillers, Heating Plant upgrades, electronic classrooms, the construction of the Multicultural Center and repairs and expansion of parking lots and sidewalks. In addition, Thompson and her staff implemented numerous mandated procurement requirements, the state ethics training and mandates, established the risk management and emergency preparedness program, including the WIU Emergency Alert System, and initiated a sustainability program.
Thompson received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Western. She is a member of the State Universities Administrative Vice Presidents Association, serving as chair from 1997-98; the National Association of College and University Business Officers; the National Association of College and University Auxiliary Services; and is a founding member of the Printing and Duplicating Managers of Illinois Public Universities and the State Universities Risk Management Association. She has also served on the WIU Alumni Council, serving as president from 1999-2001.
"I want to thank the Western Illinois University community for their support during my 40-plus years at Western, as both a student and employee," Thompson said. "I'd like to thank former President Spencer and President Goldfarb for their support and guidance. I also especially want to thank the outstanding people in administrative services and recognize their many accomplishments and successes over the years. Because of the wonderful people in this division, my decision to retire was a difficult one to make."
In the community, Thompson has served as a member of the 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone Systems Board and Executive Board of the Joint Commissions Board for Macomb and McDonough County; the McDonough County Waste Management Advisory Council; the McDonough County United Way Board; and the McDonough County Republican Central Committee.
A WIU Alumni Achievement Award recipient (2003), Thompson has received the McDonough County United Way Isaac and Ethel Leighty Award; has served as a WIU Affirmative Action administrative intern; has received Western's Outstanding Community Service Award; has received the Affirmative Action Director's Award (2005); and was among 45 individuals recognized in Western Illinois' Centennial Women of Western Exhibit.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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