Faye Thompson recognized with the William E. Kennedy Award

At the recent 2025 Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) symposium in National Harbor, MD, a remarkable milestone was achieved by one of our own. Faye Thompson, a dedicated VA Adviser at our Fort Bragg & Pope campus, was honored with the prestigious William E. Kennedy Award. This accolade is not just a recognition; it is a testament to the impact one individual can have in the realm of voluntary off-duty education programs. Faye embodies the spirit of this award, consistently demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to her students.

Faye’s Dedication

In the often challenging landscape of higher education, particularly for military personnel and their families, having a guide like Ms. Faye is invaluable. Her warm heart and profound wisdom have made her a beacon of support for countless students navigating their educational journeys. Faye’s approach to advising goes beyond mere academic guidance; she takes the time to understand the unique challenges faced by military families, offering tailored advice that resonates deeply with their experiences.

Faye’s dedication is evident in her daily interactions. Whether it’s a friendly smile during a stressful enrollment process or a thoughtful conversation about career goals, her students know they can rely on her not just as an adviser but as a mentor and ally. This personal touch is what sets her apart and makes her an integral part of the Fort Bragg & Pope community.

Surprise

She was invited to the Symposium, not knowing she was going to receive an award.  Dean Winget was on hand to present it her and was thrilled to surprise her. Reflecting on her recent honor, Faye shared her feelings during the CCME banquet: “It was even more surprising and humbling when at the CCME banquet I was presented with the William E. Kennedy Award. When they were reading the winner’s BIO, I was thinking to myself, ‘that is stuff I have done too’ and was still clueless until they called my name. I was stunned and elated about the honor at the same time. What a wonderful blessing!”

William E. Kennedy

To truly appreciate the significance of the award bestowed upon Ms. Faye, we must look back at the legacy of William E. Kennedy himself. He was a visionary in the field of education, serving as Vice President and Head of Chapman College’s (now Chapman University) regional education centers. His pioneering spirit was instrumental in the establishment and growth of college degree programs at extension campuses, paving the way for countless students to pursue their academic dreams.

Kennedy was not only a leader but also a passionate advocate for voluntary education programs. His efforts were crucial in founding the California Colleges and Military Educators Association (CCMEA), which has evolved into the CCME we know today. His contributions to the field of military education were recognized posthumously when the William Kennedy Award was established in his honor after his passing in 1985. This award celebrates individuals who exemplify Bill’s dedication and commitment to advancing educational opportunities for military personnel.

Faye’s commitment to her students is rooted in personal experience. “It has been an act of love working with our military population for over 20+ years at Campbell University. Because I have walked in many of their shoes; struggling to balance military obligations, family, and career goals, my job as an advisor has never once felt like a thankless job. I looked forward to doing all I could to assist them in accomplishing their educational goal, while encouraging them along the way.”  Her passion for her work is palpable, and she finds joy in witnessing her students succeed. “At every CU graduation, I am reminded why I love helping our adult and online students accomplish a worthy goal of higher education. So grateful for the honor bestowed upon me at the CCME Conference.”

Congrats, Ms. Faye, on this accomplishment.  We are proud of you!