Rev. Dr. Ella R. Thompson, Ph.D.
Theologian | Ordained Clergy | Higher Education Executive | Global Speaker
Dr. Thompsonis a visionary leader, scholar, and catalyst for transformative change who operates at the vital intersection of the academy, the marketplace, and the global Church. As a scholar-practitioner with a Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies from King’s College London, she dedicates her life’s work to cultivating leaders of integrity who navigate complexity with wisdom and unwavering faith.
The Clergy & Global Voice
An ordained member of the clergy, Dr. Thompson’s ministry transcends borders. She is a sought-after global speaker and lecturer whose voice has resonated in pulpits, lecture halls, and executive boardrooms worldwide. Her preaching and teaching are characterized by a prophetic clarity that bridges biblical truth with contemporary leadership and institutional challenges.
The Scholar
Dr. Thompson’s academic contributions are rooted in Interdisciplinary Leadership and Women’s Studies. As an Associate Professor, she specializes in Practical Theology and Leadership Studies for Social Impact and Leadership Excellence. Her research, supported by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) through the Women in Higher Education Leadership Grant, emphasizes the holistic formation of communities. She doesn’t just teach leadership; she mentors the "scholar-practitioner" within every student, fostering a culture where academic rigor meets spiritual depth.
The Executive
In the administrative sphere, Dr. Thompson is a strategist of institutional excellence. As an Executive Director, she has masterfully balanced mission-critical objectives with fiscal stewardship. Her record of results includes:
- Institutional Growth: Achieving a 30% increase in student retention and a 25% expansion in strategic global alliances.
- Revenue Stewardship: Launching seven new degree programs that netted $3.2 million in tuition revenue and directing university-wide rebranding efforts that consistently exceeded enrollment goals.
- Operational Agility: Pioneering global educational outreach centers and implementing enterprise-level technology to modernize the student and alums experience.
The Vision
Dr. Thompson believes that "True leadership begins with stewardship—of vision, values, and the lives entrusted to us." As an executive coach to over 3,200 leaders globally, she continues to be a beacon for ethical development, guiding mission-driven organizations and individuals to lead with purpose, resilience, and a legacy-minded focus.