Crystal Thorpe, PhD
Crystal Thorpe, PhD, is a distinguished educational leader with more than three decades of experience dedicated to advancing student success, empowering educators, and shaping inclusive school communities. Currently serving as Chief of Secondary Education, she has built a career defined by visionary leadership, strategic innovation, and an unwavering commitment to equity in education. Dr. Thorpe holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Indiana State University, along with advanced degrees from Butler University and Indiana University Bloomington, equipping her with both the academic foundation and practical expertise to lead at the highest levels of K–12 education.
Dr. Thorpe’s journey in education is both powerful and deeply personal. Beginning her career as a high school teacher at the very school she once attended as part of a desegregation effort, she embodies a full-circle story of resilience and impact. She went on to become the first Black principal in Hamilton County, Indiana, where she served for 17 years, building strong, trust-centered relationships with students, staff, and the broader community. Her leadership excellence earned her recognition as the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Principal of the Year for Indiana, as well as numerous other honors. Beyond her school-based leadership, she has contributed to the field as a Principal-in-Residence, adjunct professor, and the first Black female president of the Indiana Association of School Principals—roles that expanded her influence and advocacy at the state and national levels.
A passionate advocate for women in leadership, Dr. Thorpe uses her voice and platform to mentor and uplift others, particularly in spaces where representation has historically been limited. Her research and speaking engagements focus on the lived experiences of women—especially Black women—in leadership, encouraging collaboration over competition through messages like “From Mean Girls to Mentors” and “When Women Move Other Women Forward.” Grounded in authenticity and resilience, she is committed to helping the next generation of leaders step confidently into their purpose. Whether leading school systems, shaping policy conversations, or inspiring educators, Dr. Thorpe continues to leave a lasting impact on the future of education and leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education from Indiana University
• Master's degree from Butler University
• PhD in Education Administration
• Indiana Principal of the Year
• National Principal of the Year Presenter
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• Former member of Indiana Association of School Principals
• Habitat for Humanity Women Build
• Lupus Support Initiatives
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the relationships I've built throughout my career. It's really important to develop relationships of trust, of care, and of really believing in people. I think seeing the best in people is why I've had a pretty good career. Even in some of the down times I've had as a principal for 17 years, I've had the support of my teachers and my community. When people meet you and they think you're genuine, and they value what you do, then they give you other opportunities. I've been so blessed because people along the way have given me opportunities in ways I never thought possible. I've also learned to practice bold leadership - always trying to make the best decision for kids and for my teachers. That's one of the things my staff would say, because I've not been there for 2 years and they still call me. We made magic together.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say, find your passion. Know that it's not going to always be easy, but don't give up. Keep going and find your purpose. I think for me, early on, I was more concerned about position rather than purpose. And now I truly feel like I'm living a purpose-driven life, because I'm confident in who I am. That confidence comes from being able to build people up, because I've lived a lot of things that they're going through. I mentor quite a few young women, and it's like, just keep going, don't give up. Obstacles are gonna come, you know, but you just keep forging that path, and you're gonna be okay. When you have younger women that see you doing great things, hopefully it gives them the belief that they can do it, too. Like, you got this - I've been there, done that, you keep forging your path, and you're gonna be okay. I've been in a room where I'm the only person who looks like me, and I go there with my head held high, and I smile, and I keep it moving. You're not gonna tell me who I am. You're not gonna define me. I'm gonna define me, and show you what I can do. Watch me work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think it really is relationships. I think it's really important to develop relationships of trust, of care, of really believing in people, and just seeing the best in people. I think that's why I've had a pretty good career. Even in some of the down times I've had as a principal for 17 years, just the support of my teachers, of my community has meant everything. I had a snake loose in my school once and it hit the news - it was crazy. But my kids and my community rallied around, they trusted our school to take care of the kids. They started a campaign called Free Rocky - Rocky was the name of the snake. Outsiders looking in would have thought that it was the worst thing ever, but I think out of a school of almost a thousand, I got 3 phone calls. Other people would say, hey, we know you, and I think that support came from the relationships we built. I also value bold leadership. I always try to make the best decision for kids and for my teachers. That's one of the things that my staff that I had for 17 years would say, because I've not been there for 2 years, and they still call me.