Shreveport, LA – The LSUS Foundation has announced the appointment of Charles Thompson as its new Director of Annual Giving. A Bossier City native and Air Force veteran, Thompson has already played a significant role in enhancing the relationship between LSU Shreveport (LSUS) and the local community through his work as the coach of the LSUS bass fishing team. In his new role, he aims to build on that experience to strengthen connections with the community, alumni, and local businesses.
“I want to communicate all the things LSUS has to offer and create more connections with the community, alumni, and local businesses to create opportunities for the young adults that are our future,” said Thompson.
As the Director of Annual Giving, Thompson will collaborate closely with LSUS athletics and the LSUS Alumni Association to raise funds for specific projects and programs. His efforts are expected to further enhance the university’s growth and support its initiatives.
“LSU Shreveport has benefited tremendously over the years from the support of extremely generous donors in the community,” said Laura Perdue, President of the LSUS Foundation. “Because of this support, LSUS has seen tremendous growth in a short period of time, laying the groundwork to grow relationships with new graduates and younger donors. Charles is an excellent fit for this opportunity.”
Thompson’s background is rooted in Bossier City, where he was born at Barksdale Air Force Base and later graduated from Airline High School. After joining the Air Force, he trained as a radiology technologist and earned radiology practitioner assistant credentials from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. He then spent nine years working in the field before transitioning to a role with medical device company Bracco Diagnostics Inc., where he twice earned the company’s highest honor, the Renaissance Award.
In 2020, Thompson became involved with the LSUS bass fishing team, where he has since expanded the team from five to 18 members through active recruiting. Under his leadership, the team posted its best season ever in 2023-24, finishing sixth in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Thompson has also worked to build the team’s brand by partnering with nationally known fishing brands like Huk and local companies like Wilhite Electric, Curtis Stout, and Mechanical Concepts.
While Thompson will continue to coach the bass fishing team, his focus remains on supporting students beyond the tournament weigh-ins. “We have a top-tier educational program with affordable tuition, and we’re in one of the two biggest fishing areas of the country,” Thompson said. “The reason I do this is to get kids in school and get them graduated. Having a degree is monumental. Fishing is just the vehicle.”
The LSUS Foundation promotes philanthropic support for LSUS programs and areas of study while recognizing the importance of economic development in northwest Louisiana. The foundation houses 58 endowed professorships and chairs and awards over 150 scholarships each year.
Founded in 1967, LSU Shreveport offers a wide array of nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a doctoral degree. The university’s mission is to educate a diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students, engage in regional and global thought leadership, and innovate through research and creative endeavors.