Tami Thompson, Ph.D.

Dr. Tami Thompson is Chief of Staff for the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, the DOD-designated University Affiliated Research Center sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command.

In this role, Dr. Thompson acts as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, overseeing strategic planning, organizational development and cross-functional initiatives that drive mission success and institutional growth.

Dr. Thompson is a seasoned operations and strategy leader with more than two decades of experience driving mission-focused impact across higher education, defense research and the U.S. military. Her ability to assess organizational needs and spearhead the creation of scalable solutions empowers her to maximize strategic impact and operational effectiveness.

Prior to her current appointment, Dr. Thompson served as chair of the business, accounting and economics department at Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) where she led academic innovation and operational excellence. She launched three new majors—digital marketing, financial planning and project management—and championed project-based learning practices. As director of NWU's master of business administration (MBA) program, she developed experiential learning programs and created strong support structures for military and veteran students. A committed mentor, she was honored with NWU's 2021 Faculty Mentor of the Year award.

During her sabbatical from NWU, Dr. Thompson supported NSRI's leadership on long-term strategic planning and organizational development, contributing to the institute's five-year strategic plan and comprehensive improvements in training and development practices. This experience provided valuable insight into NSRI's mission and operations.

A retired Colonel in the Nebraska Air National Guard, Dr. Thompson led diverse teams across operations, medical and support groups throughout her distinguished military career. She commanded the 170th Operations Support Squadron, 155th Medical Group and 155th Mission Support Group, becoming the first female and non-rated Operations Support Squadron Commander in the Air National Guard in 2007. Colonel Thompson participated in several combat and contingency operations, including Decisive Endeavor, Deliberate Guard/Forge, Allied Force, Northern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. She previously served on the Nebraska Commission on Military and Veteran Affairs for the 1st Congressional District.

Dr. Thompson holds a doctorate in organization and management from Capella University and an MBA from Bellevue University. She is SHRM-SCP certified with additional certifications in coaching and leadership development. Her cross-sector expertise and people-first approach make her a trusted integrator and leader at the highest levels of organizational leadership.