When Mindy Thompson talks about her career at the University of Kentucky, she doesn’t describe a carefully mapped plan. Instead, she shares a story of saying yes to opportunities, learning from mentors, and trusting her ambition to carry her forward.
Thompson’s motivation, and her connection to the University of Kentucky, has deep roots. She was born and raised in Lexington, and several of her family members, including her mother, have studied and worked at UK over the years.
Guided by her mother’s example, Thompson has always valued hard work and the importance of growth. That mindset has carried her forward through each stage of her career, enabling her to embrace new challenges and step into roles she might not have initially envisioned.
Thompson began her UK career in the department of plant pathology, working as an administrative assistant. She managed schedules, supported faculty, and learned how vital behind-the-scenes staff are to a department’s success. Most importantly, she found a mentor in her supervisor, David Smith, PhD, then-chair of the department, who encouraged her to continue her education and gave her the flexibility to take classes while working full-time. “He genuinely believed in his people,” she recalls. “That support gave me the confidence to take the next step.”
After enrolling in radiography classes at the nearby Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Thompson earned an associate of applied science degree before joining the UK College of Medicine Department of Radiology.
Thompson spent time as a radiographer, engaging directly with patients at UK. Working in a clinical department also gave her a whole new perspective on academic medicine. It was a formative period — one that showed her how her skills could support not just faculty, but also the care of Kentucky families.
Taking advantage of UK’s tuition assistance program for employees, which at the time included partner institutions, Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a master’s degree in business administration from Northern Kentucky University.
After a few years in radiology, Thompson felt pulled in a different direction. She joined the lab of Ken Campbell, PhD, professor of cardiovascular medicine, as program manager. She managed projects, coordinated with students and fellows, and supported investigations into cardiovascular physiology. Working in a research environment brought yet another dimension to her skillset. “Each position I’ve held has added something new,” she said.
That variety ultimately led her to a professional home in the college’s Office of Research in 2024. As a research navigation specialist, her administrative expertise and knowledge of research infrastructure, honed through years of experience across departments, now helps support the college’s research mission.
“What I love about UK is the variety of opportunities available here,” she said. “You can move to a different department, or even a different college, and continue to grow as an employee.”
Outside of work, Thompson remains just as engaged. She is an active presence in her children’s schools, serving as PTA president at Henry Clay High School and Julius Marks Elementary. She also finds balance in weightlifting and family time. These roles, she says, give her both joy and balance.
Through it all, Thompson remains grounded in a simple philosophy: opportunities don’t just appear — you have to seek them out. For her, that has meant staying curious, speaking up when change is needed, and stepping forward even when the path isn’t fully clear. “If you read a job description and think, ‘I could do that,’ apply,” she says. “Even if you’re not sure you’re ready. You never know what opportunities it might open.”