DR. BRENDA THOMPSON: Leading with Authenticity and Giving with Purpose

Dr. Brenda Smith Thompson is an accomplished educator, dedicated entrepreneur, and the visionary Founder and CEO of Ron Smith Scholarships, Inc. Her career—marked by academic excellence, leadership, and service—reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering others, especially students. With every initiative she leads, Dr. Thompson brings decades of expertise, and a heart deeply rooted in faith and community.

In her exclusive VBD Magazine interview, Dr. Thompson’s journey reveals how purpose can emerge from loss—and how one woman’s courage to act can open doors for generations to come. Through her leadership, students are finding their path to graduation, and her brother’s memory is being honored in the most transformative way: through changed lives.

From Richmond Roots to Educational Heights

Born in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in the historic Church Hill neighborhood, Dr. Thompson’s journey is rooted in the values instilled by her parents, Mary Evelyn and Raymond Smith. “Both of my parents were factory workers who stressed the importance and value of a sound education for their children,” she says. “As a result, all three children completed high school, enrolled in different undergraduate programs, and subsequently graduated with bachelor’s degrees from Virginia Union University, an HBCU.”

As a student at Armstrong High School, Dr. Thompson embraced every opportunity. “I was enrolled in a college preparatory curriculum. I joined the school’s a cappella choir, majorette squad, and modern dance troupe,” she shares. “I also developed an interest in tennis but did not try out for the team. Instead, I participated in Math and Science Fair competitions and started a girl’s R&B group called the Carousels. I really enjoyed my high school years.”

Dr. Thompson thrived at Virginia Union University (VUU), balancing a rigorous academic load with vibrant campus life. “I quickly dove into my studies that included biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, German, botany, calculus, trigonometry, and more,” she recalls. “I also found time to attend parties, go to games, join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and serve as Miss Virginia Union University during my senior year.”

A Calling to Teach and Lead

After graduating with a bachelor’s in biology and a minor in chemistry, she began working as a Laboratory Technologist at the Medical College of Virginia, matching organ donors and recipients. Later, she led a hematology lab where she also trained medical students—an experience that ignited a passion for education. “It was the teaching component of this job that piqued my interest in higher education,” she says.

This interest led to a master’s in biology education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and eventually, a doctorate in education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). After graduation, she returned to her alma mater (VUU) to direct the Kenan Project, a transformative partnership between VUU and two Richmond high schools. “At the conclusion of the four-year program, there was a 97% college-going rate,” she notes proudly. “The Mayor of Richmond presented me with the Key to the City and declared a day in May as Kenan Project Day.”

Expanding Horizons in Higher Education

In 1992, Dr. Thompson moved from Richmond to Florida with her son Rodney to accept a tenure-earning position at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), where she served as Director of Student Teaching for 12 years. Her outstanding leadership led to a promotion as Assistant Dean for Student Personnel Services and tenured full Professor in FAMU’s College of Education. She also attained Graduate Scholar status in FAMU’s School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Rodney Thompson is the Chief Operating Officer. Their loyalty, service and dedication to the success of RSS is top notch.”

School and church every Sunday. The church environment and the guidance of our parents helped us develop strong values that include a concern for others. That’s probably when our philanthropic roots developed.”

She adds, “I miss my brother Ron, and I have faith that he is with God in a much better place. I know that he smiles as he realizes that we speak his name daily… he has not been forgotten.”