Higher education veteran Wendy Thompson, the former vice chancellor of ‘organizational effectiveness’ for the Tennessee Board of Regents, has joined Fisk University as its ‘chief of staff,’ according to Dr. Agenia Clark, the university’s new president.
“I am delighted that Wendy will bring her extensive management expertise and organizational effectiveness to Fisk University,” said Dr. Clark. “Not only is Wendy a veteran of higher education, she also has a passion for amplifying underrepresented voices that will help Fisk to mobilize and grow its impact during this transformative era. Wendy has a stellar record for spearheading successful education initiatives, and we are so happy to welcome her to our team.”
While serving the Tennessee Board of Regents, Thompson helped administer programming for six universities, 13 community colleges, and 27 technical colleges. As vice chancellor for ‘organizational effectiveness,’ she developed and led cross-functional teams, programs, and initiatives to drive progress in achieving equitable student success outcomes.
Thompson joined the Board of Regents in 2001, with over 10 years’ experience as a university administrator for the University of South Florida and Middle Tennessee State University. Through 2006, she was responsible for oversight of the system’s compliance with a five-year consent decree negotiated to end the state’s 30-plus-year involvement in a federal desegregation lawsuit. After the lawsuit was dismissed, Thompson remained at the Board of Regents to develop and lead the system’s first access and diversity strategic planning process. She also provided professional development, mentoring, and coaching for future leaders. She designed and launched the Maxine Smith Fellows program in 2004 for emerging leaders from diverse and underrepresented groups.
“I am honored to join Fisk University, which has an unsurpassed legacy and a bright future,” said Thompson. “We have already hit the ground running, and I look forward to being part of the evolution that is underway. There is a wealth of talent and opportunity at Fisk University and it is a privilege to join this exceptional institution during this important time.”
Thompson is a former board member of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and the Women’s Network Executive Council for the American Council on Education. She has received numerous accolades and awards for her dedication to education. She currently is the vice chair of the board at The New Beginnings Center, a board member of Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church, and a member of the YWCA’s Racial Justice and Advocacy Committee.
Thompson is a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
