Middle school math teacher’s perfect equation: Two campuses, one fulfilling career and finding more than just a love of teaching 

The consolidation of Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College creates a network of opportunities, something Landry Thompson knows well. 

“I first intended to go to Georgia Southern because my brother had been taking classes there,” Thompson said. “But, I received a scholarship allowing me to attend East Georgia tuition-free, and I thought it was a great opportunity to ease into classes. So, I took the chance.”

Growing up in a small town, building a tight-knit network of relationships while pursuing a degree meant a great deal to Thompson. 

“At East Georgia, I met wonderful people. I felt supported. If I had a question or needed direction, I always had that. Class sizes were small, so help was accessible. It was a great way to get used to a college environment, while still getting everything you needed and building close relationships.”

However, Thompson would soon realize that one of his newfound relationships would become a bit more exceptional than the rest. 

“Little did I know I’d be walking down the aisle with the girl I saw studying in the corner of the library,” he explained. “That’s when I met Hailey.” 

While working a job as a substitute teacher in college, he discovered another love – teaching. Thompson decided that becoming a teacher would be an excellent opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape the teacher he is today. 

“I halfway had an interest in teaching,” Thompson said. “My mom is a teacher, and I had a lot of great teachers growing up, but I loved being in the classroom and wanted to continue being there for students.”

Thompson was initially concerned about transitioning to a larger campus. After growing up in a small town, he had doubts that a larger campus could offer support comparable to a smaller campus. 

But, he quickly found that Eagle Nation still provided students the same opportunities and support as East Georgia.

“Georgia Southern’s College of Education felt like a small community of its own. I had a support system. People really cared for me,” Thompson explained. “I thought I’d lose the sense of community I had found at East Georgia, but the faculty truly provides students an incredibly supportive environment.”

Georgia Southern also inspired Thompson’s passion for coaching while he was working as a student assistant. 

“I learned the game of football at Georgia Southern,” Thompson said. “Being a good coach makes me a great teacher. Building trust with people, with your players and students alike, means bettering someone’s life, which I really enjoy doing.”

Just days after graduating with his bachelor’s in middle grades education from Georgia Southern, Thompson married Hailey and looks forward to starting their next chapter. He continues to teach at Johnson County Middle School, and looks forward to carrying on the teaching legacy within his family and shaping the young lives of future leaders. 

“My college experience was more than I could have ever imagined,” Thompson emphasized. “East Georgia and Georgia Southern are great schools, and I’m excited that they are merging together, giving students the opportunity to design their own futures wherever it may take them.”