New alumnus CJ Thompson credits mentors for success

Christopher “CJ” Thompson Jr. spent his time at Auburn University building community, serving others and preparing for a future in agricultural education — all while staying grounded in the values that first led him to the Plains.

The Goshen, Alabama, native graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural science and earned the College of Agriculture’s Outstanding Student of the Year for the 2026 graduating class. What makes the feat most remarkable is that Thompson accomplished this at only 20 years old.

He came to Auburn at 17 with enough college courses already under his belt to be classified as a junior. Despite taking only two years to finish his degree, he immersed himself thoroughly in leadership roles in the College of Agriculture, the Black Student Union, student mentoring programs and Camp War Eagle.

For Thompson, Auburn quickly became more than just a university.

“Jordan-Hare Stadium holds some of my favorite memories here at Auburn University,” he said. “From the first time I stepped into that stadium, I never would have thought how amazing of an environment it would prove to be during my short but transformative time at Auburn.”

One of those moments came during his first Auburn night game.

“My first night game inside of Jordan-Hare will forever be engraved in my mind as a feeling of pure bliss,” Thompson said. “As the lights flickered and we ‘Swag Surfed’ under those orange and blue lights — some of those strangers became semester-long friends — and now I am excited to walk through life with them as members of my Auburn Family.”

That sense of connection would later shape the way Thompson chose to serve other students.

As a Camp War Eagle facilitator and emcee welcoming Auburn’s incoming class of 2029, he saw students begin their own Auburn journeys and was reminded of the lasting impact community can have.

“As I stood before them, I saw nothing but amazing future students,” he said. “Afterward, some even connected with me, allowing me to serve as a resource as they transitioned into becoming part of the Auburn Family.”

Thompson chose to major in agricultural science because it allowed him to remain close to home while pursuing opportunities in an industry that had already shaped much of his life. A former Alabama FFA state officer, he was introduced to Auburn’s agricultural programs early through mentors and faculty who encouraged his curiosity and leadership potential.

“I chose to major in agricultural sciences through the Department of Horticulture as an opportunity to stay close to home and continue to care for my family in Goshen, Alabama,” he said.

He credits his immediate family as well as Auburn faculty, mentors and former teachers for helping shape both his professional goals and his understanding of leadership. He specifically credited Dwight & Ruth Bond Endowed Professor of Horticulture Wheeler Foshee; Student Programs Coordinator Gretil Sutton; and Pike County Schools educators Christian Stanley, Cody Eiland and Marcus Ward.

“My time in the College of Agriculture has shown me that being a true man of Auburn isn’t about awards and titles, but about investing in the individuals around you and having the best interests of the community and its resources in mind,” Thompson said.

That philosophy is reflected in nearly every part of his Auburn experience. Thompson served as vice president of engagement for the Black Student Union, vice president of campus relations for the Agricultural Science Club and secretary of the Harold A. Franklin Society. He also mentored fellow students through the IAM BLK program and served as chairman of GuideRight, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s community service initiative.

This year, Thompson said one of the most meaningful experiences was seeing Auburn’s Black Student Union receive organizational seating at football games.

“To see so many like-minded students able to connect over the wins and losses of Auburn football until the very end of each home game was an amazing experience,” he said. “Right before my eyes, I witnessed the start of many friendships over the one thing that truly brings Auburn students together: the energy inside of Jordan-Hare.”

In addition to his campus involvement, Thompson gained hands-on experience through research, landscaping, recreation leadership and an internship with Alfa. Throughout these experiences, Thompson remained focused on growth and service.

“The advice I would give to students is something I often hear from Dr. Foshee: ‘No matter what, continue to develop your sense of wonder,’” he said.

Foshee was responsible for recruiting Thompson into the agricultural sciences program from Goshen High School. He credits Thompson’s drive for his success.

“His leadership abilities were apparent as soon as he got to Auburn at only 17 years of age,” Foshee said. “He was not only considered a junior academically, but he really functioned in that manner. He quickly moved into leadership roles on campus. He is respectful and considerate of others, and his future is very bright.”

Thompson credited Sutton with giving him the charge to “Buy in, for work without effort is wishful thinking” — words he said he strives to live by.

Sutton said she got to know Thompson in 2024 through his involvement with the Black Student Union’s First Year Experience Committee.

“CJ is truly a gift from God,” she said. “His determination, focus and uplifting spirit are what make him so remarkable. Throughout the time I have known him, he has consistently demonstrated grit and grind, which have greatly contributed to his academic and personal success.”

Thompson plans to continue his Auburn education by pursuing a master’s degree in agricultural education, where he hopes to focus on research and inclusive leadership development. He plans to receive teacher licensure and go on to a doctoral program.

“I am particularly drawn to research that informs inclusive practices and strengthens the pipeline of future leaders in agriculture,” he said. “I seek to help shape a more inclusive and impactful agricultural education system — one that empowers individuals from all backgrounds to see themselves as leaders within the industry.”

Sutton said Thompson is exactly the individual who could effect change wherever he goes.

“If you know CJ, you know that he does not take ‘no’ for an answer — he does everything within his power to make things happen,” she said. “He adds value wherever he is planted. What he has accomplish during his short time at Auburn is nothing short of amazing.”