Education: Pfeiffer honors alumni Thames, Ingram

Thursday, October 08, 2009 3:00 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend | MISENHEIMER — Rick Thames and Jack Ingram have received awards from Pfeiffer University's Alumni Association Board.

Thames, executive editor of the Charlotte Observer, received the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Ingram, assistant professor of sports management and chair of the sports management department at Pfeiffer, received the Outstanding Alumni Award.

The association honored the two at a special ceremony during the university's Homecoming 2009 weekend Sept. 25-27.

"The honorees have demonstrated ongoing support to the university and have made a dramatic impact in their chosen professions," said Paul E. Clark, director of alumni relations. "They have shown in many ways how a Pfeiffer education can fuel success and are an inspiration to our students."

A newspapaer editor for more than 20 years, Thames began his career as a military affairs reporter at The Fayetteville Observer, where he investigated a parachute that contributed to several deaths. He has served as editor of the Charlotte Observer since July 2004. He earned a master's degree from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor's degree from Pfeiffer in 1975. Thames serves in the Pfeiffer Board of Trustees. He and wife Debbie Hardaway Thames, a Pfeiffer alumna, have been longtime Pfeiffer supporters. They live in Charlotte.

Ingram has worked at Pfeiffer since 1977. He has been head women's basketball coach, head softball coach, and has served as athletic director. Ingram is well-respected and a longtime Pfeiffer supporter. He has given his time to recruit students to Pfeiffer. Ingram earned a master's degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a bachelor's degree from Pfeiffer in 1974. He and wife Nancy MacDade Ingram, also a Pfeiffer graduate, established the Mr. and Mrs. E. Jack Ingram, Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship to honor his parents. The couple lives in Richfield.