Dr. Herb L. Thompson III is UNO’s inaugural Maverick Trailblazer
by KARA SCHWEISS
Great leadership requires vision, collaboration and the ability to listen. Dr. Herb L. Thompson III embodies these qualities by creating space for dialogue, mentoring across disciplines and helping others feel heard. On Sept. 16, Thompson, an assistant professor in the School of Communication, received the first Maverick Trailblazer Award in recognition of his leadership and impact at UNO.
“It was so meaningful to know that the work is valued and that the contributions matter,” Thompson said. “It is a career-defining moment, absolutely, and I’ll cherish it.”
Thompson’s work reflects UNO’s commitment to excellence and the power of communication to build community.
“The intent of the Maverick Trailblazer Award is to highlight one faculty per year that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in teaching, research/creative activity and/or service,” said Faculty Senate President Patty Bick, Ph.D. “Dr. Herb Thompson exemplifies the Maverick spirit in his work on building connections, collaborations and innovations. His work on TANDEM and Intergroup Dialogue is inspiring. At a time when the country is as divisive as ever, we need more people like Dr. Thompson to teach and practice communication and listening, with people from all walks of life with different views and different backgrounds. We are thrilled and proud to select Dr. Thompson for this very prestigious award.”
Thompson demonstrated connection as co-founder of TANDEM, UNO’s faculty mentorship program across all colleges and departments; innovation as a pioneer of the grant-winning “Our Stories” event, including more than 70 students, faculty, staff and alumni; and collaboration through his innovative and peer-led Intergroup Dialogue course.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication with a focus on intercultural communication and a master’s degree in communication with a concentration in communication for identity, both from UNO. He also earned a Ph.D. in human sciences with a leadership studies specialization from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His research priorities are communication and leadership practices, mentorship and intergroup dialogue.
“Dr. Herb Thompson exemplifies what it means to be a Maverick Trailblazer,” said Phil He, Ph.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “He has led the development of innovative and collaborative programming that helps people connect on a deeper level with others in their classrooms, departments and across campus.”
He also described Thompson as someone who goes above and beyond to help others and ensure that they are welcome on campus. Former students can attest to this.
“Dr. Thompson is an incredibly engaged faculty member,” said UNO alum Eva Burklund, who worked with Thompson on the Intergroup Dialogue course and other projects. “Dr. Thompson has always made the utmost effort to support his students however they ask him to, from academics to leadership to research.”
Burkland said Thompson also played a foundational role in promoting dialogue on campus, creating spaces where everyone is encouraged to share their perspectives and beliefs, and to ask questions.
Thompson said curiosity has been a tremendous driver throughout his career.
“Communication is absolutely about curiosity,” he said. “The whole idea of communicating with others – you have to want to learn about them. You have to want to explore those interactions more deeply.”
It’s a mindset that has shaped his work and continues to guide his efforts to build a more connected campus.
“Meaningful innovation happens when we see a problem and we can see the potential inside that problem,” said Thompson.
