Thompson Named Graduate Coordinator for AEAB Department

The U of A Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness has named Jada Thompson, associate professor, as its new graduate coordinator. 

Thompson, a proud alumna of the department, expressed enthusiasm about playing a leading role in the graduate program.  

"I'm excited—and just the right amount of trepidatious to keep things interesting," she said. "It's a great opportunity to serve the department and support our students in a more structured way." 

Having already played an active role in the graduate program, Thompson sees the transition as a natural next step. Her primary goal in this position is to see students thrive academically and professionally. 

"I want to continue building strong research collaborations between students and faculty, and ensure our graduates are not just successful on paper but well-rounded, critical thinkers ready to take on the world—or at least a conference room," she said. 

Thompson brings extensive academic and professional experience to the position. She earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural business and poultry science from the U of A. Through the Atlantis dual-degree program, she earned a master's degree in agricultural economics from the U of A and a second master's degree in international rural development from a European consortium. She was one of the first students to enter the Atlantis program and graduate with double degrees.

After graduating and working in the private sector for a time, she completed her doctorate in agricultural economics at Colorado State University, followed by postdoctoral work with Kansas State University and USDA-APHIS. She later joined the faculty at the University of Tennessee as an assistant professor before returning to the U of A in 2022. Thompson currently serves as an associate professor for the AEAB Department. 

"This will be a transition year, and I'm looking forward to learning the ropes while keeping the program running smoothly," she said. "I'm excited to help shape the graduate experience for our students." 

In addition to her academic and professional background, Thompson said she values the balance between academic rigor and the human experience in graduate education. 

"I care deeply about our students and the program, and I'm committed to helping both succeed," she said. 

With her combined years of experience as a student and faculty member at the university and in the AEAB Department, Thompson brings a unique perspective and a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, the student experience and educational excellence.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.  

About the Division of Agriculture: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation's historic land grant education system. The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.