Dr. V. Elaine Thompson, associate professor of History and undergraduate coordinator for the School of Human Inquiry at Louisiana Tech University, has received the Garnie W. McGinty Lifetime Meritorious Service Award from the Louisiana Historical Association (LHA).
The prize honors Dr. Garnie McGinty, a longtime professor of History at Louisiana Tech University, and is the organization’s highest honor. The honor is awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to scholarship in Louisiana history, to the historical profession in Louisiana, and/or to the Association.
Dr. Samuel Shepherd, professor emeritus at Centenary College of Louisiana, praised Thompson’s lifelong dedication in his nomination of her for the award.
“Louisiana history has radiated through Dr. Thompson’s entire life,” Shepherd said. “Her passion about the state’s past has been matched by her extensive knowledge and deep understanding of it. She has enriched the minds of students and scholars, as well as the general public, and stimulated them to discover more about Louisiana and its people. She richly deserves her McGinty honor.”
Thompson’s honor completes a trio of distinctions within the LHA, as she has also served as president and been elected to the Company of Fellows.
“It has been my privilege to serve the members of the LHA, my colleagues, and my students during the past two decades,” Thompson said. “ I’m honored and delighted to be recognized for my efforts, and I look forward to many more years of diligent work in researching, teaching, and promoting Louisiana history. I’m so grateful to the Louisiana Historical Association and to the McGinty Trust for this award.”
Thompson has been a member of the Louisiana Tech faculty since 2004.