Dr. Larry R. Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art and Design since July 1999,
champions the need for businesses to embrace creativity to thrive in the 21 st century global
economy. A lawyer and an educator, Thompson previously served as Special Assistant to the
President of The Ohio State University; CEO of Flint Cultural Center; and the founding
Executive Director of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Thompson is former Chair of
the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and currently serves on its
Board; is the former Chair of the President’s Council of the Independent Colleges and
Universities of Florida (ICUF); and serves on the boards of many local arts and civic
organizations. Dr. Thompson has been the recipient of numerous academic and humanitarian
honors and awards for his service as a visionary leader and educator.