In 1908, Thompson returned to Kansas as dean of the Division of Home Economics and Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Kansas State Agricultural College, remaining there until assuming the position of Professor of Home Economics at UCLA, Los Angeles, California.

She was also a member of the committee called to Washington by Secretary Henry A. Wallace to help in organizing the Bureau of Home Economics of the Department of Agriculture, 1923.

[1] Thompson traveled extensively, lecturing on food and nutrition, and occasionally on household administration.

[1] Helen B. Thompson died at Palo Alto, California, February 24, 1969.

[3] Thompson Hall, a building on the campus of the Kansas State Agricultural College, was so named in recognition of the work done by Thompson while dean, and of the fact that she was one of their distinguished women graduates.