Valerie Thompson, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Ed. Leadership & Ed Psychology (HESA)

Education

Doctorate of Philosophy, Adult and Higher Education (May 2020)

University of Oklahoma, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Norman, OK

Graduate Certificate in Women and Gender Studies

Dissertation: Sistas in Crisis: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry into the Lives of Black women student affairs practitioners

Committee: Siduri Haslerig, PhD (chair), Kirsten Hextrum, PhD, Derek Houston, PhD, Susan Laird, PhD, Michele Eodice, PhD

Master of Science Degree, College Student Personnel and Administration (May 2009)

Illinois State University, Educational Administration and Foundations, Normal, IL

Bachelor of Science Degree, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology (May 2005)

Friends University , Wichita, KS

Bachelor of Arts Degree, Religion and Humanities, Spanish (May 2005)

Friends University, Wichita, KS

 

Research Interests

Black Women in Higher Education, Student Affairs Practitioners, Compassion Fatigue, Women and Gender Studies, Intersectionality, Spirituality and Religiosity, Womanis

Publications

Thompson, V.J. (2022). Politics, Identity, Faith, and the Academic Hazing of a Black Woman: A Scholarly Personal Narrative of a Black Woman Doctoral Student. Research Issues in Contemporary Education

Thompson, V. J. (2021, March 24) the REAL Check-In in NAPSA Region IV-West Blog.

Edwards, K.T., & Thompson, V.J. (2016), Womanist pedagogical love as justice work on college campuses: Reflections from faithful Black women academics. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 152, Winter 2016, 39-50.

Thompson, V., Coles, D.C. (In Print). Strange Fruit: The Collective Crushing of Black Women in Academe. (Book Chapter). Leadership in turbulent times: Cultivating diversity and inclusion in the Higher Education Workplace, Studies In Educational Administration Series, London: Emerald.

Thompson, V. J., Patterson, J. (Under review) Book Title: Differentiated Academic Advising Strategies for Minoritized Students, or Students Beyond the Margins. Publisher: Lexington Books -An imprint of Rowman & Littlefield

Thompson, V.J. (Under Review). The Toxicity of the StrongBlackWoman Narrative within Student Affairs. Journal of Education Human Resources Special Issue on Student Affairs Wellbeing

Thompson, V.J., Patterson, J., Fonseca, G., Shepard, J. (Under Review) Do you see us now? Exploring Belonging and Mattering among Asian Students in Academic Advising (Book Chapter). Book Title: Differentiated Academic Advising Strategies for Minoritized Students, or Students Beyond the Margins. Publisher: Lexington Books -An imprint of Rowman Littlefield

Thompson, V.J. (Under review). The Emotional and Physical Implications of Teaching Diversity Courses for Women of Color Faculty. Journal of Student Affairs at Colorado State University

Manuscripts Under Review

Thompson, V., Ekpe, L. (under review). There is No Vacation From Trauma鈥: Black Female Academicians鈥 Narratives on the Need for Community During Times of Racialized Injustices. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education

Thompson, V. (under review). Let the church say Amen! A testimony of truth, empowerment, and survival: An autoethnography of a Black woman student affairs practitioner. Christian Higher Education.

Additional Instructional Experience

黑洞社区, Assistant Professor, Wichita, KS

Fall 2020:

EL 871: Adv Field Based Research

CLES 871: Foundations of Higher Education

CLES 831: Diversity and Social Justice 

Summer 2020:

CLES 875 Practicum in Higher Education

Spring 2020:

CLES 801: Intro to Educational Research 

CLES 875 Practicum in Higher Education

Fall 2019:

CLES 871: Foundations of Higher Education

EL 831: Diversity and Social Justice 

Summer 2019:

CLES 801: Intro to Educational Research

Rose State Community College, Adjunct Faculty, Midwest City, OK

Fall 2018:

Educational Planning (2 Sections)

Spring 2018:

Educational Planning (1 Section)

Women's Studies

Summer 2017:

Educational Planning (2 Sections)

Spring 2017:

Women's Studies

Fall 2016:

Educational Planning (2 Sections)

Spring 2016:

Guest Lecturer: Research in Women and Gender Studies

Lectured on using Scholarly Personal Narrative as a Qualitative Methodology

University of Nebraska, Omaha, Omaha, NE

Fall 2012/2013:

University Seminar: First Year Experience (FYE)

Peer Reviewed Presentations

2020:

Edwards, A, Dixon, K, Lewis, J.C,. Thompson, V.J.,  (2020, March). BLK Womyn Higher Ed-Podcast Presentation (NASPA ) Conference. CANCELLED DUE TO COVID

Edwards, A, Dixon, K, Lewis, J.C,. Thompson, V.J.,  (2020, March). Scholarly Resistance-BLK Womyn Voices (ACPA ) Conference. Nashville, TN

2019:

Edwards, A, Thompson, V.J., Dixon, K, Lewis, J.C,. (2019, October). The New Migration: Telling our Stories in the Digital Space. Roundtable Presentation at the Association for the study of African American Life and History (ASALAH ) Conference. Charleston, SC

2018:

Thompson, V.J. (2018, March). Gasping for Air: Testimony of a Black Woman SA Practitioner. Research Paper Session at ACPA College Student Educators International Conference, Houston, TX.

Thompson, V.J. (2018, February). Gasping for Air: Testimony of a Black Woman Student Affairs Practitioner, A Scholarly Personal Narrative. Presented at Jeannie Rainbolt College of Education 鈥揝ocial Justice in Education Conference- Toward Justice; Defending the Aims of Democracy through Education Research and Practice, Norman, OK. 

2016:

Thompson, V.J. (2016, May). Existing in it: Using a scholarly personal narrative approach to discuss the challenges of being a Black woman within student affairs. Paper presented at the 12th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, Urbana-Champaign, IL.

2015:

Thompson, V.J. (2015, November). Sisters in solidarity through Their oppressed narratives: Women of color as a method of Workplace support. Paper presented at the Society of Educating Women Conference, San Antonio, TX.

Thompson, V.J. (2015, February). Staff burnout: The Intersections of racism and sexism in women of color in student Affairs. Poster presentation at Take Root: Red State Perspectives On Reproductive Justice, Norman, OK.

Student Affairs Experience

August 2014-May 201:

Graduate Research Assistant for the Comprehensive Alcohol Education Program

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

Responsibilities:  Facilitate small group outreach sessions for incoming freshmen as part of the mandatory First-Year Alcohol Education program (discussion- oriented, summarize, crowd control, etc.), direct supervision of 12-15 First-Year Alcohol Education Peer Educators; Provide constructive feedback and support to PEs, assist with PE recruitment, interviews, and training curriculum development, assist with program evaluation research - focus groups, survey administration (campus wide and small group outreach sessions), data entry, coding, and analysis (SPSS), assist with future program planning and development of research-based curriculum, work one-on-one or in a group setting using motivational interviewing techniques (focus on Strike One students)

Fall 2010-Spring 2014:

Student Organization Advisor

The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE

Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. / Minority Association of Pre-Health Students

Responsibilities: Responsible for the facilitation of the Davis Chambers and Isaacson Incentive Scholarship program, developed curriculum material for the academic support program for the Davis Cambers and Isaacson Provided academic advising for students, to ensure of their academic success, created innovative and effective workshop series for the university population, taught a University Seminar course for admission by review students (ABR), collaborated with departments to provide engaging academic programs

June 2009- July 2011:

Assistant Director of Cultural Programs and Student Organizations

The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE

Responsibilities: Advise student organizations on procedures and protocol as it related to their specific organization, create effective marketing materials to advertise cultural programming calendar of events to public, worked within the allotted budget of $10,000 for the year to program cultural programming, co-created Student Organization academy that taught workshops on conflict management, effective programming, managing budgets and other topics relevant to student organization success, coordinate cultural events for the five cultural months: Black History, Latino Heritage, Native American and Asian Pacific Islander Awareness month, Recruit new students to become involved in student organizations to increase student involvement, collaborate with student organizations and facility for cultural programming events, prepared effective evaluations of programs with the student programming committee, advocate for increased student participation in the formation of the university calendar of events, reorganize the student organization filing system for optimal usage and functionality, resolve student conflict in a manner which equips the student with effective Communication strategies, coordinate the annual Club and Organization Fair highlighting 100 student organizations during welcome week festivities on campus.

Academic Affairs Experience

August 2008-May 2000:

Learning Services Graduate Assistant Julia N. Visor Academic Center/ University Center for Learning Assistance

Illinois State University, Normal, IL

Responsibilities: Provided academic coaching and study skills sessions to first generation students and students who are on academic probation concerning effective study habits for their college experience, Presented study tools workshop series to the Success 101, which targets university Freshman with low test scores, Trained content area tutors on tutoring techniques and methods in order for them to aid their tutees achieve their academic goals, Supervised and evaluated content area tutors on their daily interaction with students and their tutoring skills, Presented weekly study skills strategies and material to aid in the retention efforts of the Illinois State University campus, Contacted teaching faculty in regards to academic content to ensure that the tutees have current material for instruction, conducted weekly content area one on one meetings in order to keep informed of tutoring progress, revised outdated presentation material to make it more relevant for current student population, created a new presentation series that focused on creating effective power points to students, recreated marketing material in order to effectively reach the Illinois State student population.

Practicum Experience

August 2008-December 2008

Intern, Dean of Students/Community Rights and Responsibilities

Illinois State University

Responsibilities: Reviewed disciplinary conduct cases to see if they went against the Code of Student Conduct, conducted disciplinary conferences with students to discuss their conduct and their violations, suggested educational sanctions that would allow the students to learn from their violations, aided with the administration duties in the office as it relates to hearing conduct cases, served on the University Hearing Panel where conduct violations were reviewed in further detail.

May 2008- August 2008

Summer Conference Intern

Rutgers University, Newark, NJ

Responsibilities: Supervised the Rutgers University Conference Assistants during the summer conference sessions, Conducted weekly staff meetings to make supervisees aware of conference proceedings, Created housing assignments for the conference guest according to their room specifications, Collected linen and toiletries and placed them in the conference guest rooms weekly, Served as the Rutgers University conference liaison that handled conference related issues, Aided in the check-in and checkout process of the summer conference sessions, Assisted with the overall administration of the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

Career Services Experience

August 2007-May 2008

Career Center- Diversity Initiatives Graduate Assistant, Career Counseling Focus

Illinois State University, Normal, IL

Responsibilities: Developed new and innovative programming for the diverse Cultural Career Network Program, Advocated for the continuing progression of diversity on campus, Collaborated with various institutional units for effective, cohesive programming, Provided professional resume critiques for undergraduates, graduates and alumni, Facilitated mock interviews to prepare undergraduates for professional job internships, Presented to first year students concerning career/academic success, Connected registered student organizations in a partnership capacity with the Career Center, Educated students on appropriate professional dress and decorum for interviews.

Student Affairs - State, Regional, & Local Presentations

Thompson, V.J. (2018, August).  Presentation Strategies (Health Educators Edition. Health Promotions. University of Oklahoma.

Thompson, V.J. (2014, August).  Alcohol and OU: Greek Life Edition. Comprehensive Alcohol Education Program (CAP). University of Oklahoma.

Thompson, V.J. (2014, August).  Presentation Strategies (CAP Peer Educators Edition). Comprehensive Alcohol Education Program. University of Oklahoma.

Thompson, V.J. (2014, February).  How to Succeed in a Large Lecture Hall Presentation. Multicultural Affairs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2014, February).  Emailing your Professors the WRITE way. How to Rock your Resume. Multicultural Affairs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2014, February).  How to Rock your Resume. Multicultural Affairs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2014, February).  What鈥檚 my motivation? Finding your Purpose. Multicultural Affairs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2011, October).  Diversity 101: Where do we begin?. Multicultural Affairs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2011, February).  Group Dynamics for Student Organizations. Club and Organization Academy (Co-Created). Student Organizations and Leadership Programs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2011, February).  Club and Org Academy: Effective Even Planning. Club and Organization Academy (Co-Created). Student Organizations and Leadership Programs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2011, February).  Benefits of Effective Teamwork for Leaders. Club and Organization Academy (Co-Created). Student Organizations and Leadership Programs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2011, February).  Effective Planning. Student Organizations & Leadership. Club and Organization Academy (Co-Created). Student Organizations and Leadership Programs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2011, February).  Getting Involved: The College Experience. Student Organizations & Leadership. Club and Organization Academy (Co-Created). Student Organizations and Leadership Programs. University of Nebraska Omaha.

Thompson, V.J. (2009, August). Preparing for Finals. Study Skills Workshops. Julia N. Visor Academic Center. Illinois State University       

Thompson, V.J. (2009, August). PowerPoint Workshops with Pizzazz. Study Skills Workshops. Julia N. Visor Academic Center. Illinois State University

Thompson, V.J. (2009, August). Developmental Math Study Skills. Study Skills Workshops. Julia N. Visor Academic Center. Illinois State University

Thompson, V.J. (2009, August). Time Management. Study Skills Workshops. Julia N. Visor Academic Center. Illinois State University

Thompson, V.J. (2008, August). Taking and Using Notes Effectively. Study Skills Workshops. Julia N. Visor Academic Center. Illinois State University

Thompson, V.J. (2008, August). Study Tools and Test Taking. Study Skills Workshops. Julia N. Visor Academic Center. Illinois State University

Thompson, V.J. (2008, August). Stress Management. Study Skills Workshops. Julia N. Visor Academic Center. Illinois State University

Thompson, V.J. (2008, August). Learning Styles. Study Skills Workshops. Julia N. Visor Academic Center. Illinois State University

Thompson, V.J. (2007, August). Career Center Informational Presentation. Career Center. Illinois State University

Thompson, V.J. (2007, August). Different World Informational Session. Career Center. Illinois State University

Thompson, V.J. (2007, August). Diversity Initiative Presentation. Career Center. Illinois State University

Memberships & Affiliations

2018-Currently

ASHE (Association for the study of Higher Education)

AERA (American Educational Research Association)

2016-Currently

American College Personnel Association (ACPA)

National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)

2015-2017

Graduate Student Research Fellow- Center for Social Justice, University of Oklahoma

Awards Fellowships & Scholarships

2014

Doctoral Fellowship Award Student Affairs from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

Amount: $100,000

Robberson Travel Grant from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

Amount: $800

2015

Society for Educating Women (SEW) Founders Award

Amount: $500

April 2011

University of Nebraska Omaha, Cultural Awareness Award

Presented by American Multicultural Students (SGA).

April 2010

University of Nebraska Omaha, UNO Faculty/Staff Member of the Year

Presented by American Multicultural Students (SGA).