Commencement Speaker

The Honorable Senfronia Thompson '64
Texas State Representative, District 141

In the records of Texas’ legislative history, few names resonate with the enduring impact and unwavering commitment to equality and civil rights as that of State Rep. Senfronia Thompson. She holds the distinct honor of being the longest-serving female, the longest-serving African-American and the Dean of the Texas House of Representatives. She is the only founding member of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus still serving in the Texas House. Her five-decade exemplary career of representing Northeast Houston and Humble is a testament to her resilience and dedication to public service.

Dean Thompson earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Southern University, her Master of Education degree from Prairie View A&M, her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and her Master of Law from the University of Houston. Affectionately known by her colleagues as “Ms. T”, Dean Thompson was inducted into the prestigious Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, and she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Throughout her illustrious career, Dean Thompson has been a fierce advocate for civil rights, women’s rights and social justice. She is the author of the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act, a pivotal law enhancing penalties for crimes motivated by hate and bias. Her impressive legislative resume also includes laws combating human trafficking, raising the minimum wage, Texas’s first-ever alimony law, creating a fairer criminal justice system and scores of other laws benefitting women, children and the elderly.

Known for her impassioned speeches, Dean Thompson has consistently been a voice for the marginalized. She played a key role in the Democratic walkout to block a discriminatory bill restricting voting rights. Her enduring presence in the Texas House serves as an inspiration to many.

She is a true Texas treasure and remains a beacon of integrity.