J. Richard Thompson is a longtime educator, faculty member and former Dean of Students at Transylvania University. This award was established in his honor and is given to one or more student leaders who have made a significant contribution to the living-learning community at Transylvania.
Nominees must have served as a role model in an established student leadership position and have demonstrated a strong commitment to Transylvania's mission and goals. Additionally, nominees must display charisma and genuine compassion for their peers and other members of the campus community.