Dr. Alicia Thompson is superintendent of Wichita Public Schools in Kansas, where she developed the district’s five-year Every Student Future Ready strategic plan. Now nearing its halfway mark, the plan has generated strong support from the community, and the district has demonstrated progress toward all key goals. Prior to serving as superintendent, Thompson was the district’s assistant superintendent and executive director of professional development.

She has received numerous honors, including the Wichita Business Journal’s Leadership in Diversity Award; the Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Award from the Urban League of Kansas; the National School Public Relations Association Superintendent to Watch Award; the NAACP Education Award; the Wichita State University Distinguished Alumnus Award; and the Leon A. McNeill Distinguished Alumni Award from New University, to name a few.

Thompson participates in several community organizations and serves on various boards including the Wichita Chamber Board of Directors, United Way of the Plains Board of Directors, and the Greater Wichita Partnership and Business Education Alliance. She also sits on the WSU School of Education Leadership Board, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Langston University, a master’s degree from Newman University, and a doctorate of educational leadership from Wichita State University.