Ursula Thomas, Ed.D., M.P.A.
Ursula Thomas, Ed.D., M.P.A. is an equity-centered educational leader, scholar, and professor with more than three decades of experience across the P–20 education continuum. Based in the Atlanta metropolitan area, she serves in higher education leadership at Perimeter College, where she leads with a servant leadership philosophy grounded in access, excellence, and community impact. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation as a visionary educator committed to creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments while mentoring emerging faculty and advancing institutional transformation.
In her leadership roles, Dr. Thomas has overseen academic operations across multi-campus systems serving more than 18,500 students, many of whom are part-time and nontraditional learners. She has played a key role in accreditation, assessment, and curriculum development, including coordinating SACSCOC efforts and engaging with national organizations such as ACE, NAECTE, NAEYC, and CAEP. Her work also extends to leading federally funded initiatives like the U.S. Department of Education’s CCAMPIS grant, focused on supporting parenting students and reducing systemic barriers to higher education access and success.
Dr. Thomas is also a prolific scholar and author with eight books and more than 47 publications centered on culturally relevant pedagogy, servant leadership, and social justice in education. Her academic background includes degrees from Alabama State University, University of Alabama, Auburn University, and Georgia College & State University. Recognized as a national leader and award recipient, she continues to dedicate her work to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and advancing equity-driven change in education.
• Group 2 - Social Behavioral
• Conflict of Interest
• Certified Educator State of Georgia
• WIDA
• Teacher and Leader Keys Effectiveness System Credentialed
• The University of Alabama - Ed.D.
• Exceptional Service Faculty Excellence Award
• Cole Fellow Award
• NISOD Excellence Award
• Wulff POD Fellow 2022
• GAEYC Leading for Equity Fellow
• Perimeter College Dean’s Fellow 2020
• GSU/Perimeter College: Hall of Fame Honoree 2020
• Faculty Development Grant for faculty development project “Advancement for Teacher Education Professional Development”
• Faculty Perimeter College Values Awards
• Southern Center for Broadening Participation in STEM: Education Research
• National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, my commitment to community, and my belief that we were never meant to operate in isolation. I have always been driven by impact rather than titles or recognition. Early in my career, I learned not to wait for systems to validate my voice. Instead, I trusted my calling, remained true to my purpose, and continued to show up authentically. Success is measured by the lives we impact and the communities we strengthen.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was: “Don’t shrink yourself to fit spaces that benefit from your brilliance.” This wisdom came from a community of accomplished women mentors who understood the unique challenges women face in leadership. They encouraged me to remain authentic, take up space confidently, and never diminish my voice or abilities to make others comfortable.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t apologize for your presence, your ideas, or your voice. Women often begin their contributions with unnecessary apologies when they are bringing valuable perspectives to the table. Find mentors who will support, challenge, and celebrate you. Build genuine community with other women, and never lose yourself trying to survive in systems that were not designed with you in mind. Remain authentic and remember that your perspective matters.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in higher education right now is sustaining environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive holistically, while institutions are navigating rapid political change and political pressure. I had a personal experience where I had to say goodbye to a grant designed for marginalized, minoritized parenting students because Doge decided it wasn't important. It was a million dollar grant that I'd had successfully for 5 years. No issues, no problems, money spent well, 85% retention and graduation rates for the parenting students that participated in the program, and just when we thought renewal letters would be coming out, we got letters saying the opposite. That was so disheartening. Navigating the way that institutions are responding to political pressure, not even legal pressure, but political pressure, has been my biggest challenge. But yet and still, I see opportunity. I've learned how to subvert, how to evolve, how to engage nonprofit organizations and create supportive services and safety nets statewide and nationally, because there's some national non-profit or NGOs around the most vulnerable of students. I've had to learn how to pivot because those students still expect support. It's been my biggest challenge and to remain authentic and still hold on to my joy at the same time.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, authenticity, service, and community are the core values that guide every aspect of my life. My professional work and personal commitments are deeply connected. Whether I am supporting parenting students through higher education initiatives or volunteering with nonprofit organizations, my focus remains on creating opportunities for those who have historically been underserved. Service is not something I do; it is who I am.
Locations
Perimeter College
Austell, GA 30168