Society in Focus: An Introduction to Sociology (7th Edition) (Mysoclab)
William E. Thompson was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was the first member of his family to receive a high school diploma.  He received his bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University, a master's degree from Missouri State University, and a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.  Professor Thompson has authored and coauthored more than 30 articles in professional journals, including several reprinted in sociology textbooks and readers.  He has coauthored a textbook on juvenile delinquency.  Thompson also is the author ofThe Glass House,a nonfiction account of his mother's two year battle with cancer and the lessons about life and living learned from her death and dying.    Professor Thompson began his college teaching career at the University of Tulsa.  He spent the next ten years at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas.  He is currently a professor of sociology and criminal justice and Director of Mayo College, a residential learning community for first-year students, at Texas A&M University - Commerce.  He has also taught in the British Studies Program at Kings College, University of London.  In 1993 Thompson received an Outstanding Teaching Award from the Texas Association of College Teachers, and in 1994 he won the Distinguished Faculty Award for Research and Teaching at Texas A&M University - Commerce.  For fun and relaxation Thompson plays the drums.