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Bob Thompson is a native of the Philadelphia area where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from LaSalle College in 1967. He completed his graduate work at the University of North Dakota, where he received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1971, and an internship in clinical psychology at Indiana University Medical Center. In 1972 he joined the faculty at Georgetown University Medical Center as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and in 1973 became Director of Psychology at the University Affiliated Program for Child Development. From 1972-75 he also served as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Catholic University of America. He joined the Duke faculty in 1975 where he holds appointments in the Department of Psychology: Social and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Pediatrics.

Professor Thompson's research interests address how biological and psychosocial processes act together in development. His primary focus has been on the adaptation of children and their families to chronic illnesses and developmental problems including sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and very low birth weight infants. He has authored over 100 scientific publications, including a recent book entitled "Adaptation to Chronic Childhood Illness," and has served on the editorial board for several scientific journals and as associate editor for the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.

Dean Thompson has also played an active role in his professional organizations. He served as President of the Association of Medical School Professors of Psychology from 1986 to 1988 and received the Distinguished Researcher Award in 1993. He received the Distinguished Service Award of the Society of Pediatric Psychology in 1997. Professor Thompson has also been active locally with the Durham Academy Board of Trustees, serving as both President and Vice President. At Duke, he has been heavily involved with undergraduate education serving as Director of the Undergraduate Program in Human Development and Co-Director of the Faculty Associates Program. In 1997, he became Dean of Undergraduate Affairs, Trinity College, Arts and Sciences and then Dean of Trinity College in 1999. He was named Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education in 2004.

Dean Thompson is responsible for the administrative and financial management of the College; the curricular and instructional programs, including the Office of Study Abroad, Summer Session and Continuing Education; academic advising and support services, including the Academic Resource Center and the Office of Undergraduate Research Support; and assessment. He is assisted by ten academic deans.

114 Allen Building
Box 90042
Durham, North Carolina 27708
bobt@asdean.duke.edu
Phone: (919) 684-3465
Fax: (919) 681-6280