Dr. Alicia Thompson was the superintendent of Wichita Public Schools in Kansas from 2017 to 2023. A Wichita native, she spent more than 25 years working in the district.

As superintendent, Thompson developed Wichita’s five-year Every Student Future Ready strategic plan, which laid out key district goals and generated strong support from the community. Prior to becoming superintendent, Thompson was Wichita’s assistant superintendent and executive director of professional development.

She has received numerous honors, such as 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, among others.

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 Wichita State University (WSU) School of Education Leadership Board, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Thompson holds a doctorate of educational leadership from WSU, a master’s degree from Newman University, and a bachelor’s degree from Langston University.