ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – The College of The Albemarle (COA) Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Claudia James Thompson Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Preparation, an endowed scholarship created in her memory, honoring her life, legacy, and lifelong commitment to education. She was a distinguished alumna and dedicated educator.
Photo: (Back row, left to right) Valerie Mueller, Executive Director of the COA Foundation; Dr. Jack Bagwell, President, COA; Drew Jones, nephew of Will Thompson; Jenny Thompson; Will Thompson. (Front row, left to right) Lisa Meads, Dean of Arts and Sciences, COA; Brynn Thompson and Lyla Thompson, daughters of Will and Jenny Thompson; Dr. Jennifer Lopes, Vice President of Learning, COA.
Established through a generous gift from the James and Thompson families, the scholarship will provide ongoing financial support to students enrolled in College of The Albemarle’s Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation and Associate in Science in Teacher Preparation programs. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need, helping ensure future educators have access to the education and training needed to serve their communities.
Thompson was a member of COA’s first graduating class in 1963 and went on to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She dedicated more than four decades to public education in North Carolina, serving as both a teacher and an administrator. Her career was marked by innovation, mentorship, and an unwavering belief in her students. These values align closely with COA’s mission and the purpose of this scholarship.
“Claudia James Thompson exemplified the transformative power of education,” said Valerie Mueller, Executive Director of the COA Foundation. “This endowment ensures that her passion for teaching and her commitment to students will continue to shape lives for generations to come.”
Her influence extended well beyond the classroom, impacting colleagues, families and communities across the region. Known for her dedication to student-centered learning and her ability to inspire those around her, she played a key role in developing programs that encouraged students to explore their talents, think critically, and prepare for success beyond high school.
Endowed scholarships at COA are designed to provide perpetual support, with annual awards funded through investment earnings. The Claudia James Thompson Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Preparation will be awarded once funding thresholds are met, creating a lasting tribute to an educator whose life’s work was devoted to opening doors for others.
The College of The Albemarle Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the College’s mission through private fundraising, scholarships, and strategic investments in student success.
For more information about the Claudia James Thompson Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Preparation or to learn how to establish an endowed scholarship at COA, please contact the COA Foundation at [email protected] or 252-335-0821, ext. 2265.
For all other COA-related information or media inquiries, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, Director of Communications and Marketing at [email protected], or 252-335-0821, ext. 2420.