Oklahoma State University has announced a transformational gift from George and Janice Thompson to support the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute.

The gift will establish the George and Janice Thompson Endowed Research Scientist position — providing sustainable expert support, strengthening HPNRI retention of top faculty talent and expanding mission-centric research. Funding ensures long-term leadership in areas such as nutrition, exercise physiology, recovery and fatigue, cognitive neuroscience and more.

“At Oklahoma State University, we are focused on creating impact both on campus and beyond,” OSU President Jim Hess said. “HPNRI aligns directly with The Code Calls and our land-grant mission by connecting discovery, education and service to benefit not only our state, but also our students — providing transformative learning opportunities that prepare them to lead in health, science and industry. We sincerely thank George and Janice Thompson for their generosity and commitment to HPNRI’s mission.”  

HPNRI brings together experts in health, science and performance to make Oklahomans stronger, healthier and better prepared to perform, whether in sports, work or daily life. It unites research, education and outreach to improve how people move, eat and rest across the state and beyond.

“Discovery at OSU is powered by the scientists, faculty and researchers who pursue questions that lead to real-world impact,” said Dr. Kenneth Sewell, OSU vice president for research. “This investment in HPNRI will expand our expertise, strengthen collaboration and accelerate outcomes that improve the lives of Oklahomans — all while advancing our land-grant mission.”

The potential for HPNRI excites George (’66 physiology) and Janice Thompson (’67 home economics), who are both OSU graduates.

Janice studied nutrition while at OSU and George is a renowned surgeon and pioneer in pediatric spinal deformity. He is the past director of the Division of Pediatric Orthopedics at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital of University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center. He retired from surgical practice in 2019, but remains active in academics, serving as Professor Emeritus of Orthopedic Surgery at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

“The scope of HPNRI can grow and grow,” George said. “We want the funding to have leeway so the position we are supporting has the opportunity to take the time to lead and follow the advancements as they are happening.”

For years, the couple said they’ve been inspired by stories of other people’s generosity at OSU.

“We love OSU — we always have,” Janice said.

“Our memories begin in Stillwater,” George added. “I’d like for people to know we were there and I’d like to know we’ve made a difference.”

Construction of the Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex is still in its early stages, but HPNRI is already working to make a difference for Oklahomans, conducting innovative scientific research then translating that science into action. Researchers are gaining national attention, receiving grants for their work on numerous active health studies.

In addition, HPNRI is creating meaningful experiential learning and workforce development

opportunities for OSU students. This spring, 18 students from eight departments across five OSU colleges engaged in HPNRI research projects, and three interns won research competition awards. Through these opportunities, students gain invaluable research experience that helps build a pipeline of career-ready professionals prepared to apply knowledge in real-world settings and drive impact.

“We are grateful to George and Janice Thompson for recognizing the importance of HPNRI’s work to discover, develop and deliver positive health outcomes for Oklahomans,” said Lance Walker, the Rick and Gail Muncrief executive director of HPNRI. “The creation of this position is an important step in advancing cutting-edge research and translating those discoveries into practical health solutions.”