Motivated by his passion for government and interest in becoming a more involved citizen leader, Tramell Thompson ’24 formed a meaningful bond with Prince Edward County Administrator Doug Stanley.
Through the spring of 2024, government major Tramell Thompson ’24 participated in collaborative efforts aimed at bettering the surrounding community.
Hampden-Sydney College remains committed to its nearly 250-year-old mission of nurturing individuals into good men and good citizens. The institution consistently reinforces this objective by fostering meaningful partnerships with surrounding communities, enhancing the relationship between academia and society. In the 2024 spring semester, government major Tramell Thompson ’24 enrolled in the Compass course In Conversation (INDS 185), taught by Assistant Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Psychology Jennifer Vitale. Motivated by his passion for government and interest in becoming a more involved citizen leader, it was during this enriching period that he formed a meaningful bond with Prince Edward County Administrator Doug Stanley. Their collaboration not only strengthened their connection but also demonstrated how such partnerships could enrich student experiences by cultivating communication skills, exposing them to diverse life experiences, and fostering active community engagement.
“This was a great way to understand how I can become a more active community member,” Tramell said. “As a representative for Hampden-Sydney, I enjoyed engaging in conversation concerning Prince Edward County and collaborating with Mr. Stanley to enhance the community.”
In the course, students are introduced to various communication methods such as clinical interviewing, oral history, and interfaith dialogue. The course encourages students to navigate challenging conversations, and, by connecting students with members of the Farmville community, the course aims to enhance students’ conversational and interviewing abilities while broadening their ability to understand others’ experiences.
“This was the first time we offered a course such as this, and we had a wide range of partners in terms of experiences and backgrounds,” Vitale said. “Our partners included local government officials like Mr. Stanley as well as local members of our faith communities, our education system from both Prince Edward and Fuqua, the Moton Museum, and our civic organizations.”
Tramell, serving as a role model as a team captain of the Hampden-Sydney Football team and a member of the Minority Student Union, the Brother4Brother Mentorship Program, and the Student Senate, aimed to push his boundaries and deepen his understanding of the government field while actively striving to be an involved citizen. He reached out to Mr. Stanley, hoping to forge a partnership, enhance his communication abilities, and act as a community role model. In his quest to broaden his perspective through diverse life experiences, Tramell found a common bond with Mr. Stanley through Coach Tim Thomas, who has coached both Tramell and Mr. Stanley in football.
This was a great way to understand how I can become a more active community member. As a representative for Hampden-Sydney, I enjoyed engaging in conversation concerning Prince Edward County and collaborating with Mr. Stanley to enhance the community.
Tramell Thompson ’24
“I’m from New York, but I attended Blue Ridge School in Virginia, where Tim Thomas was my football coach,” Tramell said. “Upon meeting Mr. Stanley, we instantly bonded when I discovered that he, too, had been coached by Coach Thomas in his youth. To me, it was a clear example of the small world aspect.”
Tramell and Mr. Stanley, dedicated to enhancing Prince Edward County, collaborated frequently during the semester, forging a rapport, and fostering a relationship between government and higher education to create community cohesion. Diving into discussions on economic flow, expanding the local commerce network, fostering entrepreneurship, and bolstering support for both growing and established businesses alongside higher education initiatives, Tramell gained invaluable experience in relationship-building and community empowerment efforts. Additionally, Tramell inspired his peers to engage with the community and lend support to local businesses in whatever capacity possible, aiming to create a more robust atmosphere.
“Hampden-Sydney College and Longwood University are the two largest employers in Prince Edward County, and their students represent 20% of the County’s population,” Stanley said. “It is imperative that we, as a community, work to build on the symbiotic relationship that exists between higher education and the town.”
Mr. Stanley aims to further develop student relationships through different means, such as providing advice and collaborating with students like Tramell who are eager to contribute to the community's improvement.
“Tramell is such an engaging young man,” Stanley said. “I enjoyed sharing my path to local government and speaking with him about his future goals and aspirations while offering advice on possibly looking into government as a career path.”
Tramell found great satisfaction in engaging with Mr. Stanley, his fellow students, President Larry Stimpert, and serving as a representative for the College, a testament to the belief that individuals can make a tangible impact by contributing ideas aimed at improving the community.
“I take pleasure in the opportunities to build connections,” Tramell said. “Being an extrovert, I find it satisfying to connect two parties together, as I believe it's a significant way to contribute to the community.”
“Hampden-Sydney has such a rich history,” Tramell continued. “So, connecting academia and government is a fantastic way to engage students and college officials in initiatives aimed at enhancing the county.”
Hoping to continue his active involvement, Tramell plans to leverage his experiences and knowledge gained at Hampden-Sydney to serve as a catalyst for positive change. By embodying the values of integrity, leadership, and service, he will continue to exemplify what it means to be a Hampden-Sydney man, dedicated to the betterment of society and the empowerment of those around him.
Through the spring of 2024, government major Tramell Thompson ’24 participated in collaborative efforts aimed at bettering the surrounding community.