Washington, DC, Feb. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) applauds John Thompson on his recent appointment as Chairman of Microsoft Corporation, said TMCF President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.

Thompson is a Florida A&M University (FAMU) Alum and an esteemed business executive who will become Microsoft's Chairman of the Board, replacing its founder Bill Gates.  He joined the Microsoft Board in February 2012 and is the chief executive officer of Virtual Instruments, a privately held technology company providing IT development and assessment solutions. He also served on the national board of Teach for America, an organization dedicated to eliminating educational inequities for all children. 

Thompson received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University, a TMCF member-school, and a master's degree in Management from the Sloan Fellows program of the MIT Sloan School of Management. He has been recognized for his tireless commitment to FAMU and a benefactor to its School of Business. 

"This is an exciting time for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). John's appointment as Chairman of a major corporation like Microsoft is a perfect example of the role HBCUs play in preparing African American future leaders," said Taylor.  "This appointment couldn't come at a more perfect time, during Black History Month, as people like John are the history-makers of today that we will be talking about for years to come."

Founded in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund has been a leader in the higher education community.  Together with its corporate partners, like Microsoft, TMCF is building future leaders of tomorrow with a clear intention and motivation to succeed.  Microsoft has been a long-time partner of TMCF, providing over $37 million in cash and software products over the years to support its technology initiative to strengthen the IT capacity of TMCF member-schools - broadening their instructional and communications capabilities, and work to build sustainable learning environments.

"The on-going Microsoft/TMCF partnership has been very successful program and beneficial to TMCF's member-schools, enabling them to enhance their instructional support and programs," said Taylor.  "We look forward to continuing our relationship with Microsoft and supporting John in his new leadership role."

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About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund

TMCF is named for the U.S. Supreme Court's first African-American Justice. Established in 1987, TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools nation-wide and in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow.

TMCF is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization.  For more information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit www.thurgoodmarshallcollegefund.org.