On Tuesday, February 26, the TxDLA Board of Directors officially approved the recommendation by the Hall of Fame Committee to name Ron Thomson as the 2008 TxDLA Hall of Fame
inductee. The Texas Distance Learning Hall of Fame Award recognizes long-term distance-learning practitioners or advocates whose careers are characterized by exceptional commitment, outstanding achievements, and enduring impact in the field of distance learning.
Mr. Thomson exemplified these traits, beginning his involvement with distance learning in 1980 to his current position as Director of the Virtual College of Texas.
In Thomson’s nomination it was shared that ‘Two of Ron’s key accomplishments of exceptional noteworthiness and lasting value include
his role in the launch of STARLINK and the Virtual College of Texas, both of which have benefited large numbers of Texas citizens’.
Despite the significant role that Thomson played in the success of these initiatives,
Thomson says, “The accomplishments belong to the colleges, not me, but I've been privileged to have a hand in facilitating them.”
Concerning Thomson's nomination to the TxDLA Hall of Fame, Dr. John C.
Ray, Chair-Distance Learning Advisory Committee, Texas Association of Community
Colleges, said, "Ron Thomson is also a visionary in looking at ways that distance learning can
benefit the students of Texas."
Ray continued, "Ron continues to look ahead and seek ways of using the Virtual College of Texas to develop new and innovative programs for the students of Texas."
Dr. Carolyn Robertson, current TxDLA Hall of Fame Member, said, "Thousands of students have
benefited from Ron Thomson’s efforts and talent over his 28 year career as a proponent of Distance Learning."
"His contributions as a creative visionary and his ability to coordinate diverse groups exemplify the qualities of a hall of fame candidate", said Dr. Donetta Sutton, Dean of Student Services for Development and Success, Lee College.
Thomson currently resides in South Central Austin near Zilker Park. When asked about his other life, Thomson said, “My home is about five minutes by car from Barton Springs, where I regularly swim in its year-round, 68-degree water. Other interests include gardening and landscaping and hiking-camping-backpacking adventures with the Silver Bullet Gang (friends as far back as 40 years) in places like Denali National Park(Alaska), Yellowstone, Big Bend, Rocky Mountains, Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park. I also enjoy days spent gazing in silence at the sky, ocean, mountains, and desert landscapes, especially in remote locations. I much enjoy the performing arts, and I own up to being a life-long movie addict. All in all, though, it’s hard to beat just hanging out with good friends.”
For more information concerning Ron Thomson's nomination and his
professional background, CLICK
HERE.
