Larry R. Thompson Announces Retirement as President of Ringling College of Art and Design

After more than a quarter century at the helm, Larry R. Thompson is retiring from the Sarasota, FL institution effective May 2026.   Thompson previously served as the CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He did not intend to pursue a career in academia. “He entered college with a plan to practice medicine but ended up with a bachelor’s in math, a master’s in counseling and education administration and a doctorate in law.”  He later served as counsel for Ohio State University, where he, at various times, also oversaw athletic and media programs.