Dr. Thompson Receives SCICU Teaching Award

Limestone College’s Dr. David B. Thompson was one of 20 faculty members across the state recently recognized by the S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities.

The faculty members were acknowledged for their dedication to teaching by the SCICU at the 11th Annual Excellence in Teaching Awards Dinner held earlier this month.

Each of the 20 member institutions of the SCICU consortium selects one faculty member to receive the award, which includes a professional development grant for the professor. Each recipient is chosen by his or her institution according to rigorous criteria.

“I was truly honored to receive this Excellence in Teaching Award from my Alma Mater,” Dr. Thompson noted. “After seeing the other winners and hearing all their wonderful accomplishments, I was humbled to be a part of such an esteemed group of college and university educators.”

The awards ceremony was part of S.C. Independent College and University Week, which was recognized by the South Carolina General Assembly and Gov. Nikki Haley. 

Dr. Thompson is Professor of Music at Limestone College. He earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Limestone College.

Dr. Thompson teaches private and group piano, music theory, and music history. He is the Co-Chair of the Musical Theatre major and accompanies the College and Community Chorus. A nationally certified piano teacher, Dr. Thompson continues to teach students from beginner to adult while maintaining an active schedule as soloist, collaborative artist, and adjudicator for such organizations as the Music Teachers National Association and the National Federation of Junior Music Clubs.

“The contributions of Dr. Thompson to the music department and the Limestone campus are extensive,” said Dr. Karen Gainey, Limestone’s Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “His upbeat attitude and his enthusiastic nature make him a valued colleague and a beloved teacher.”

Dr. Thompson is an accomplished musician in many United States and international venues. He has presented programs and lecture/recitals for various musical and historical events, including the Society for American Music National Conference, The Spoleto Festival in Charleston, the South Carolina Music Teachers Convention, the College Music Society Mid-Atlantic Conference. He has also presented a program for music teachers in Reykjavik, Iceland. His publications include a recording entitled “Confederates at the Keyboard: Southern Piano Music during the Civil War Era,” and a chapter of the same title in Bugles Resounding: Music and Musicians of the Civil War Era published by the University of Missouri Press.

 “As both a Limestone Alum and an outstanding Professor of Music, David Thompson makes us proud,” said Limestone College president Dr. Walt Griffin. “We are fortunate at Limestone to have a faculty of the highest quality.”

ACCOMPANYING PHOTO: Limestone College’s Dr. David B. Thompson (center) receives his “Excellence In Teaching Award” from Russell Cook with the SCICU. Dr. Thompson was accompanied by Dr. Karen Gainey (right).