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CORVALLIS - Robert D. Thompson Jr., an assistant professor of ethnic studies at Oregon State University, has received the OABA Education Award from the Oregon Assembly for Black Affairs.

The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated the use of education as a tool to bring positive change to African Americans in Oregon, and to bring "responsiveness, accountability and productivity to and within the Oregon Black Community."

Thompson was cited for his work with African American students at OSU. He works closely with students at the university's Black Cultural Center, and meets weekly with African American student-athletes to support their educational efforts, to listen to their concerns and thoughts on different issues, and to offer advice, mentoring and counseling.

Thompson, who teaches African American studies at OSU, has been on the faculty since 1998. He has a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and two master's degrees.

He was nominated for the award by Wilbert Gamble, a professor emeritus of biochemistry and biophysics at OSU.