On Jan. 19, Kyle Thompson resigned from the position of Harding University in Florence assistant.
The new assistant will start working on June 1, and Thompson will officially leave his position on June 31, 2013. During the overlapping time, Thompson will be training the new assistant. Robbie and Ramona Shackelford, directors of the HUF program, and Dr. Jeff Hopper, the dean of international studies, are currently looking for new candidates.
The HUF assistant is responsible for providing academic support for the Shackelfords and the visiting professors, providing assistance in group celebrations and projects — such as the olive and the grape harvest — and creating and encouraging Christian principles within the group. In other words, if any of the students or visiting professors has a problem, they will most likely go to the HUF assistant for help.
After five years working at HUF, Thompson is ready to start a new life with his wife, Elizabeth Jackson, whom he married on Jan. 12 at Camp Tahkodah. The couple is still living in Italy for Thompson’s last semester as assistant, but Thompson said he is ready to move on to the next step.
“I’m on a new adventure — marriage,” Thompson said. “I am very excited to see where the Lord takes my beautiful wife, Elizabeth, and me in these next few years. We are seeking the Spirit to lead us so that we can be used in his service wherever it may be.”
As Thompson welcomes his last group of HUF students, Robbie Shackelford remembers his work and passion for each group.
“Kyle will be missed,” Robbie Shackelford said. “We will miss his joy and love for life and how he is able to be that enthusiastic motivating person that he is. Kyle has contributed in many ways to assisting me with the organization of service projects like library reading for children and enhancing our group travel booklets.”
Thompson said he will surely miss his time at HUF. Hundreds of students have passed through the Harding Villa and Thompson said that each one of them has impacted him in a different way.
“My heart is broken at least three times a year,” Thompson said. “As sad as it is for the students leaving after their semester with HUF, it is not any easier for those being left. But it is worth the risk of heartbreak to welcome people in and to love them for who they are, so they can leave knowing that they too are loved.”
Thompson said his biggest suggestion to the new assistant comes from Colossians 3:17: “Whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord.” He said he also wants him/her to know the key to being a good HUF assistant: “Have too much fun.”
