Carmen Thompson graduated from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.  She graduated from South Carolina State University (SCSU) and earned a Master of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences and completed her dietetic internship at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.  Carmen has worked as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) for over 20 years.  Her experiences in nutrition include public health, long-term care, higher education, and clinical nutrition.
Currently she is an assistant professor at South Carolina State University (SCSU) where she is the Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics. Her community involvement includes past Public Policy Committee Chairperson of the South Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Carmen teaches courses in nutrition, dietetics, and nutritional biochemistry, advises and mentors students. She also serves as the advisor to the SCSU Nutrition Association and Kappa Omicron Nu National Honor Society for the Human Sciences.