Ernest L. Thompson, longtime Director of Student Teaching and Teacher Placement at Northwest Nazarene University, has been named this year’s L.E. Wesche Outstanding Educator. The award was presented at a private reception on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Thompson served NNU for 24 years, mentoring more than 1,200 student teachers and helping to shape the University’s teacher education program into what it is today. A 1960 graduate of Northwest Nazarene College, he returned to his alma mater in 1974 after a successful career in the Boise School District, where he worked as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal.
Known for his deep personal faith and investment in students, Thompson was honored as NNU’s Professor of the Year in 1993 and received the Distinguished Service Award from the NNU Alumni Association in 1994. Throughout his career, he also served in leadership roles in statewide and regional professional associations and led more than 150 lay witness missions. His impact extends far beyond the classroom and continues to be felt in schools across the region through the lives of the educators he mentored.
“In selecting recipients for the L.E. Wesche Award, we look for individuals whose influence goes beyond their job description—those who inspire, lead with integrity and reflect the heart of NNU’s mission,” said Holly Ripley, Associate Professor of Education and Chair of Undergraduate Education. “Ernie Thompson embodies all of those things. His legacy at NNU and in education is remarkable, and it continues to impact our students and faculty.”
This award is named in honor of Dr. Lilburn Wesche, NNU Faculty Emeritus, who graduated from Northwest Nazarene College in 1951. During his 30-year career at NNU, Dr. Wesche served as a professor, head of the education department, director of teacher education, director of graduate studies, interim academic dean and chair of the division of professional studies. Award recipients are current or retired professionals who have made a positive and lasting impact in education that extends beyond the classroom.
The L.E. Wesche award recipient is nominated and selected by an advisory council composed of current and emeriti NNU education department faculty. The committee considers the candidates’ positive influence on the field of education, their capacity to be a catalyst for change, their representation of NNU ideals of scholarship in a Christian context, and their commitment to leadership and service in the profession.
