June 14, 1998

Rocky Mount, NC -- North Carolina Wesleyan College announced that its head basketball coach, John Thompson, a native of Durham, will also assume the position of Director of Athletics effective July 1, 1998. Thompson, who has been with the Rocky Mount-based college since 1995, will take over duties from departing head baseball coach and athletic director, Mike Fox, who was recently appointed to the head baseball position at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe, who made the announcement, said of Coach Thompson, "He represents the outstanding leadership of North Carolina Wesleyan sports and will take the College to a new level of excellence. He is committed to our student athletes and their development and to the College’s overall strategic plan."

Coach Thompson attended St. Andrews College in Laurinburg, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, in 1984 where he served as captain of the basketball team in his senior year. His previous coaching experience has included positions at St. Andrews, St. Lawrence (N.Y.), and Guilford (N.C.) Colleges.

President John White commented, "John Thompson is a great representative of North Carolina Wesleyan, a leader who is committed to the very best in NCAA Division III sports. He is a teacher who encourages his players as students and as citizens. He stands in the wonderful tradition of former Wesleyan Athletic Directors, Moe Bauer, Don Scalf, and Mike Fox. Coach Thompson will lead Wesleyan sports into the next century."

Thompson will continue his basketball duties at the College. His teams are noted for their aggressive play and strong offense. In addition, Coach Thompson has been a strong supporter of community service for his players who recently served as tutors and role models for students at Pope and Hubbard Elementary Schools in Rocky Mount.

John Thompson’s family includes his wife Laura Birch Thompson and their three-year old son Andrew. Laura Thompson is Executive Director of the Rocky Mount Community YMCA.

North Carolina Wesleyan is an independent, four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The College offers bachelor’s degrees in 22 majors to traditional-aged students on the Rocky Mount campus. Wesleyan also offers an adult degree program geared to working adults, with classes in Rocky Mount, and at additional teaching sites in Raleigh, Goldsboro, and Durham.

# # #