Honors and Awards

Ralph L. Thompson Berea College Herbarium, Berea College President and Dean, June 1, 2017.

Research Associate, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, March 18, 2014–2020.

Distinguished University/College Scientist Award, Kentucky Academy of Science, November 5, 2014.

Hancock Biological Station Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research (1998–2013), MSU, 2013.

Berea College Professor of the Year, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Berea College, 2010–2011.

Paul C. Hager Excellence in Advising Award, Berea College, 2008.

Charles F. Kettering Endowed Chair in Science, Berea College, 2006.

Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, 2006.

Distinguished University/College Teacher Award, Kentucky Academy of Science, November 4, 2002.

Seabury Award for Excellence in Teaching, Berea College, 1993.

Beta Beta Beta Biological Society, Berea College, 1982.

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Southern Illinois University, Full Member, 1979

Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Southern Illinois University, 1978.

James E. Ozment Natural Science Award, Southern Illinois University, 1978.

Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, Myrtle Point Public Schools, Myrtle Point, Oregon, 1977.

Kappa Delta Pi International Education Honor Society, Missouri State University, 1971.

Cum Laude Undergraduate, Missouri State University, 1971.

Professional Affiliations

• Shepherd Poverty Alliance Internship Program, Committee Member, 2000–2013.
• Kentucky Academy of Science,
  • Committee on Publications, Index Editor, 2006–2011
  • Governing Board, At-large Member, 2002–2006
  • Committee on Publications, Editorial Board, Member, 2003–2008
  • Distribution of Research Grants Committee, Chair, 2002–2006
  • Nominations Committee, 2001
  • Manuscript Reviewer, 1985–2013
  • Governing Board, Biological Sciences Member, 1987–1989
  • Botany Grant Fund, Member, 1981–1987
  • Botany and Microbiology Section, Chair, 1983; Secretary, 1985
• Pine Mountain Settlement School, Board of Directors, Member, 1996–2003
• Graduate Committees, Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky, 1989–1990; 1993–1994; 2005–2009; 2012–2013.
• Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Manuscript Reviewer, 1995–1998; 2005–2020.
• Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
  • Research Committee, Member, 1984–1987.
  • Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, Nominations Committee, Member, 1985–1987.
• Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, Manuscript Reviewer, 1982–1987; 1990–1994; 1996–2014.
• Tennessee Academy of Science, Manuscript Reviewer, 1994–1997
• Association of Southeastern Biologists
• Botanical Research Institute of Texas
•  Kentucky Academy of Science, Life Member
•  Kentucky Ornithological Society, Life Member
•  Kentucky Native Plant Society
•  Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, Life Member

Publications

Thompson, R.L. 2020. Lysiloma. Pp. 612‒617, in Flora of North American Editorial Committee (eds.). Flora of North America north of Mexico. Vol. 10-11, Oxford Univ. Press, New York and London. [In Press].

Abbott, J.R. and R.L. Thompson. 2019. Aira elegans (Poaceae) and Medicago orbicularis (Fabaceae): New to the Kentucky flora, Phytoneuron 2019-42: 1–6. Published 16 October 2019. ISSN 2153 733X. [PDF]

Adams, C.A. and R.L. Thompson. 2017. Ecology of an endangered Gentiana flavida population in east-central Kentucky. Phytoneuron 2017-83: 1–25. Published 21 November 2017. ISSN 2153733X. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and K. Rivers Thompson. 2016. Vascular plants and plant communities of Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, Ballard County, Kentucky. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 10(1): 245–266. [PDF]

Abbott, J.R. and R.L. Thompson. 2015. Addendum to the vascular flora of the Hancock Biological Station, Murray State University, Calloway County, Kentucky. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 9 (1): 229–233. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and K. Rivers Thompson. 2015. Buddleja davidii (Scrophulariaceae) naturalized populations in Tennessee and its woody associates. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 9(1): 213–227. [PDF]

Jones, R.L. and R.L. Thompson. 2014. Landon E. McKinney (1949–2014). J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 8(2): 677–678. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and D.B. Poindexter. 2014. Addendum to the vascular plants of the Berea College Forest in Madison, Jackson, and Rockcastle counties, Kentucky. Castanea 79(4): 279–283. [PDF].

Thompson, R.L. 2014. American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum ssp. leucarpum, Viscaceae) occurrence in host trees within the city of Cairo, Alexander County, Illinois, and its incidence in Illinois. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 8(2): 641–660. [PDF].

Thompson, R.L. and J.R. Abbott. 2013. History, dispersal, and distribution of Buddleja davidii Franch. (Scrophulariaceae) in Kentucky. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 7(1): 495–505. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L., D.B. Poindexter, K. Rivers Thompson, and P.F. Threadgill. 2013. Thlaspi alliaceum (Brassicaceae) naturalized in Georgia, Missouri, and North Carolina. Phytoneuron 2013-86: 1–13. Published 6 November 2013. ISSN 2153 733X [PDF]

Thompson, R.L., D.B. Poindexter, and J.R. Abbott. 2012. Vascular flora and plant communities of Dead Horse Knob (Rucker’s Knob), Madison County, Kentucky. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 6(2): 631–651. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and D.B. Poindexter. 2011. Species richness after Lonicera maackii removal from an old cemetery macroplot on Dead Horse Knob, Madison County, Kentucky. Phytoneuron 2011-50: 1–16. Published 10 Oct 2011. ISSN 2153 733X. [PDF]

Abbott, J.R. and R.L. Thompson. 2011. New combinations in Phoradendron leucarpum (Viscaceae). J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 4(1): 139–141. [PDF]

Poindexter, D.B. and R.L. Thompson. 2011. Noteworthy collections: Kentucky. Lotus tenuis Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd. and Puccinellia distans (Jacq.) Parl. Castanea 76: 190–192. [PDF]

Poindexter, D.B. and R.L. Thompson. 2010. The reemergence of Puccinellia rupestris (Poaceae) in North America. Rhodora 112: 435–440. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and C.A. Evans. 2010. Eastern mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum, Viscaceae) infestation of host trees in Jessamine County, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 71: 19–25. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and S.R. Green. 2010. Vascular flora of an abandoned limestone quarry in Garrard County, Kentucky. Castanea 75: 245–258. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and R.L. Jones. 2010. Vascular flora of Old Mulkey Meeting House State Historic Site, Monroe County, Kentucky. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 3: 391–409. [PDF]

Poindexter, D.B. and R.L. Thompson. 2009. Vascular flora and plant habitats of Wallace Woods, a Hemlock-Northern Hardwoods Palustrine Forest, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Rhodora 111:231–260. [PDF]

Taylor, D.D. and R.L. Thompson. 2009. First report of oak mistletoe [Phoradendron leucarpum (Raf.) Reveal & M.C. Johnston] on the invasive liana, Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.). J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 70: 97.

Thompson, R.L. and K. Rivers Thompson. 2009. Incidence of Phoradendron leucarpum (Viscaceae) at General Burnside State Park, Pulaski County, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 70: 12–16. [PDF]

Poindexter, D.B. and R.L. Thompson. 2008. Six noteworthy vascular plants for Kentucky: Two state records and four range extensions. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 69: 66–68. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 2008. The vascular flora of the Berea College Forest, Madison, Jackson, and Rockcastle counties, Kentucky. Castanea 73: 188–209. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L., K. Rivers Thompson, E.A. Fleming, R.D. Cooks, J.R. Price, M.N. Naseman, and A.J. Oles. 2008. Eastern mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum, Viscaceae) in the city of Berea: A high incidence of infestation and eight new host species for Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 69: 3–10. [PDF]

Jones, R.L., R.L. Thompson, and R.C. Clark. 2007. A reference list to field botany in Kentucky (1985–2006). J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 68: 145–180. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 2007. The vascular flora of the Hancock Biological Station, Murray State University, Calloway County, Kentucky. J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 1: 609–630. [PDF]

Jones, R.L. and R.L. Thompson. 2006. Index herbariorum IV. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 67: 85–90. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 2006a. John W. Thieret (1926–2005). Sida 22: 3–19. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 2006b. John W. Thieret (1926–2005)—Botanist, teacher, editor, author, mentor, and friend. Castanea 71: 89–93. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and L.E. McKinney. 2006. Vascular flora and plant habitats of an abandoned limestone quarry at Center Hill Dam, DeKalb County, Tennessee. Castanea 71: 54–64. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and D.B. Poindexter. 2006. Vascular flora of the Elk and Bison Prairie, Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, Trigg County, Kentucky. Castanea 71: 105–123. [PDF]

Clark, R.C., R.L. Jones, T.J. Weckman, R.L. Thompson, J.W. Thieret, Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, and K. Feeman. 2005. State records and other noteworthy collections from Kentucky. Sida 21: 1909–1916.

Thompson, R.L. 2005a. Floristic survey of Indian Fort Amphitheater, Berea College Forest, Madison County, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 66: 35–39. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 2005b. Host occurrence of eastern mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum, Viscaceae) in Robertson County, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 66: 138–139.

Thompson, R.L. 2005c. John W. Thieret (1926–2005). J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 66: 74–82. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L., J.R. Abbott, and A.E. Shupe. 2005. Vascular flora from five plant habitats of an abandoned limestone quarry in Clark County, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 66: 24–34. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and D.B. Poindexter. 2005. Host specificity of American Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum, Viscaceae) in Garrard County, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 66: 40–43. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and J.R. Skeese III. 2005. Vascular flora of Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area in the Oregon Coast Range, Coos County, Oregon. Madroño 52: 215–221. [PDF]

Abbott, J.R., R.L. Thompson, and R.A. Gelis. 2004. Noteworthy vascular plants from Kentucky: a state record, range extensions, and various species of interest. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 65:94–103.

Thompson, R.L. and C.A. Fleming. 2004a. Vascular flora and plant communities of the John B. Stephenson Memorial Forest State Nature Preserve (Anglin Falls Ravine), Rockcastle County, Kentucky. Castanea 69: 125–138. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and C.A. Fleming. 2004b. Vascular flora of five reservoirs in the Berea College Forest, Madison and Jackson counties, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 65: 116–131. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 2003. Checklist of the vascular plants of Hancock Biological Station, Murray State University, Calloway County, Kentucky. Pages 219–252. In: L.I. Lyle, E.W. Chester, and A.F. Scott (eds). Proceedings of the 10th Annual Symposium on the Natural History of the Lower Tennessee and Cumberland River Valleys, The Center for Excellence for Field Biology, Austin Peay State University, March 21–22, 2003, Clarksville, Tennessee. [PDF] www.apsu.edu/sites/apsu.edu/files/field-biology/10th_Symposium_Proceedings_2003.pdf

Thompson, R.L. and E.W.J. FitzGerald, Jr. 2003. Vascular flora of Feltner Lake, Laurel County, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 64: 75–92. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and F.D. Noe, Jr. 2003. American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum, Viscaceae) in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 64: 29–35. [PDF]

Wade, G.L. and R.L. Thompson. 2003. Is there a characteristic flora of Appalachian Pre-SMCRA surface mines? Pages 1381–1404. In: R. Barnhisel, and B.A. Zamora (eds.). Working Together for Innovative Reclamation. Proceedings of a joint conference of 9th Billings Land Reclamation Symposium and 20th Annual National Conference, American Society of Mining and Reclamation (ASMR), June 3–6, 2003, Billings, Montana. [PDF]

Rafaill, B.L. and R.L. Thompson. 2002. Vascular flora of the Henderson Fork Surface-mined Area, Bell County, Kentucky. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 63: 53–64. [PDF]

Wade, G.L. and R.L. Thompson. 2002. Flora of the Fonde Surface Mine Demonstration Area, Bell County, Kentucky. Pages 674–701. In: R. Barnhisel and M. Collins (eds.). Reclamation with a Purpose. Proceedings, of the 19th Annual National Conference, American Society of Mining and Reclamation (ASMR), June 9–13, 2002, Lexington, Kentucky. [PDF]

Weckman, T.J., J.E. Weckman, R.L. Thompson, and D.L. White. 2002. Kentucky: New records and a summary of naturalized Viburnum taxa. Castanea 67: 104–106.

Abbott, J.R., R.L. Thompson, and R.A. Gelis. 2001. Vascular plants new to Kentucky. Sida 19: 1199–2002.

Thompson, R.L. 2001. Botanical survey of Myrtle Island Research Natural Area, Oregon. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-507. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, Oregon. 27 p. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and R.L. Jones. 2001. Woody plants of Rock Creek Research Natural Area and environs, Laurel County, Kentucky. Castanea 66: 275–287. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L., R.L. Jones, J.R. Abbott, and W.N. Denton. 2000. Botanical survey of Rock Creek Research Natural Area, Kentucky. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-272. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. 23 p. [PDF]

Wade, G.L. and R.L. Thompson. 1999. Woody vegetation and succession of the Fonde Surface Mine Area Demonstration Area, Bell County, Kentucky. Pages 339–351. In: S.A. Bengson, and D.M. Bland (eds.). Mining and Reclamation for the Next Millennium, Vol. 1. Proceedings of the 16th Annual National Conference, American Society of Surface Mining and Reclamation (ASSMR), August 13–19, 1999, Scottsdale, Arizona. [PDF]

Rosen, R.B. and R.L. Thompson. 1998. Undergraduate research in biology (1987–1997) at Berea College. J. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 59: 34–36.

Thompson, R.L., G.L. Wade, and R.A. Straw. 1996. Natural and planted flora of Log Mountain Surface-mined Demonstration Area, Bell County, Kentucky. Pages 484–505. In: W.L. Daniels, J.A. Burger, and C.E. Zipper (eds.). Successes and Failures: Applying Research Results to Insure Reclamation Success. Proceedings of the 13th Annual National Conference, American Society of Surface Mining and Reclamation (ASSMR), May 18–23, 1996, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee. [PDF]

Wade, G.L. and R.L. Thompson. 1993. Species richness on five partially reclaimed Kentucky surface mines. Pages 307–314. In: B.A. Zamora, and R.E. Connolly (eds.). The Challenge of Integrating Diverse Perspectives in Reclamation, Vol. 1. Proceedings of the 10th Annual National Meeting, American Society of Surface Mining and Reclamation (ASSMR), Spokane Trade Center, May 16–19, 1993, Spokane, Washington. 891 p. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 1992. Host occurrence of Phoradendron leucarpum in the Lexington-Blue Grass Army Depot, Blue Grass Facility, Madison County, Kentucky. Trans. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 53:170–171. [PDF]

Wade, G.L. and R.L. Thompson. 1992. Formula relates species richness and area to restoration success (Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia). Restoration & Management Notes 9:124–125.

Thompson, R.L. and G.L. Wade. 1991. Vascular flora and vegetation of a 12-year-old coal surface-mined area in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. Castanea 56: 99–116. [PDF]

Wade, G.L. and R.L. Thompson. 1991. The species-area curve and regional floras. Trans. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 52: 21–26.

Thompson, R.L. 1990. Lysiloma. Pages 321–324. In: J.H. Wiersema, J.H. Kirkbride, Jr., and C.R. Gunn. 1990. Legume (Fabaceae) nomenclature in the USDA germplasm system. U.S. Dept. Agri. Tech. Bull. 757, Springfield, Virginia.

Thompson, R.L. and L.E. McKinney. 1990. Host specificity of eastern mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) in the Land Between The Lakes. Page 31. In: The 1990 Annual Research Report, Tennessee Valley Authority, Land Between The Lakes, Golden Pond, Kentucky.

Wade, G.L. and R.L. Thompson. 1990. Establishment of native plant species from forest topsoil seed banks on a borrow area in Kentucky. Pages 451–460. In: J. Skousen, J. Sencindiver, and D. Samuel (eds.). Proceedings of the 1990 Mining and Reclamation Conference and Exhibition, Vol. II, April 23-26, 1990, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia. [PDF]

Vogel, W.G. and R.L. Thompson. 1987. Planted and volunteer vegetation on surface mines in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field Region. Pages 31–33. In: J.M. Baskin, C.C. Baskin, and R.L. Jones (eds.). The Vegetation and Flora of Kentucky: A symposium sponsored by the Kentucky Academy of Science. Kentucky Native Plant Society, Richmond, Kentucky.

Jones, R.L. and R.L. Thompson. 1986. A beech-hemlock stand in the Knobstone Escarpment of Madison County, Kentucky. Trans. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 47: 101–105.

Thompson, R.L. and J.R. MacGregor. 1986. Liparis loeselii (Orchidaceae) documented in Kentucky. Trans. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 47: 138–139.

Thompson, R.L. and J.W. Thieret. 1986. Alopecurus arundinaceus (Poaceae) established in Kentucky. Trans. Kentucky Acad. Sci. 47: 138.

Thompson, R.L., W.G. Vogel, G.L. Wade, and B.L. Rafaill. 1986. Development of natural and planted vegetation on surface mines in southeastern Kentucky. Pages 145-153. In: J. Harper, and B. Plass (eds.) in New Horizons in Mine Land Reclamation. Proceedings of the Third Annual National Meeting, American Society for Surface Mining and Reclamation (ASSMR), March 17–20, 1986, Jackson, Mississippi. [PDF]

Wade, G.L., R.L. Thompson, and W.G. Vogel. 1985. Success of trees and shrubs in an 18-year-old planting on mine spoil. U.S. Dept. Agri. For. Ser. Res. Pap. NE-567, Broomall, PA. 10 p. [PDF]

Thieret, J.W. and R.L. Thompson. 1984. Cleome ornithopodioides (Capparidaceae): Adventive and spreading in North America. Bartonia 50: 25–26.

Thompson, R.L., W.G. Vogel, and D.D. Taylor. 1984. Vegetation and flora of a coal surface-mined area in Laurel County, Kentucky. Castanea 49: 111–126. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 1980. Woody vegetation and floristic affinities of Mingo Wilderness Area, a northern terminus of southern floodplain forest, Missouri. Castanea 45: 194–212. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 1979. The vascular flora of Cedar Gap Lake and environs, Webster and Wright Counties, Missouri. Sida 8: 71–89. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. 1977. The vascular flora of Lost Valley, Newton County, Arkansas. Castanea 42: 61–94. [PDF]

Thompson, R.L. and T.E. Heineke. 1977. Vascular flora of the Desoto-Hallidayboro Railroad Prairie Strips, Jackson, County, Illinois. Trans. Illinois State Acad. Sci. 70: 114–127. [PDF]