Brenda Thompson

Dr. Brenda Thompson retired from the University of Central Florida (UCF) as the Director of Community Engagement in the College of Community Innovation and Education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Virginia Union University (VUU), master’s degree in biology education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and a doctorate in junior and community college education/administration at Virginia Tech. She taught biology at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, VA, served as the Director of the Center for Teaching Effectiveness at VUU, and was an Assistant Dean and tenured Professor for 12 years at Florida A&M University (FAMU). During her time at FAMU, Dr. Thompson presented her research findings nationally and internationally. On a trip to Spain, she made a presentation at the University of Barcelona, where she discussed college student teacher placements and experiences abroad in various cities in Europe and Asia.

Dr. Thompson has impacted the Central Florida community in many ways. She was a mentor in the Valencia College Horizon Scholars Program, board member of the Orlando International Film Festival (OIFF) Lions Club, member of the UCF Town and Gown Council (past board member), member of the Women’s Executive Council (currently serves on the Scholarship Committee), served as Chair of the CCIE Greater Orlando Heart Walk for the American Heart Association, served on the Cabinet of OCPS Academic Center for Excellence, and Cabinet of Evans High School, previous owner of Florida Places To Live Realty, served as CEO of Community Capital Design and Metrics (a technology company) and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is also a member of Northland Church, has a son, granddaughter, daughter-in-law, siblings Mary and Ronald, and brother-in-law.

Currently, Dr. Thompson serves as the Founder and CEO of Ron Smith Scholarships, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation based in Orlando, FL. The nonprofit is a resource network for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).