Ms. Thatcher has an older daughter who graduated from UA in 2021.
She’s the first face students and families see when they walk in University Academy’s main entrance, and she’s the first voice they hear when they call for information or for help. Ms. Nakisha Thatcher is the central office manager who helps and interacts with students, staff and families every day.
Ms. Thatcher has 16 years of experience working at UA in a variety of roles. Her positions have varied throughout the years. She first started as a security officer for a year, and then she was a teacher’s assistant for two years. Eventually, she began working as the administrative assistant for grades K-5 for 12 years. Her current and favorite job is working as the central office manager.
A typical work day for her in the front office includes scheduling substitutes for teachers, signing in late students after 7:30 a.m., reading emails and responding to them, checking in visitors and subs, greeting parents and assisting them, and more. She also supervises the Kansas City Young Audiences and Step Up Sisterhood programs and helps with enrollment.
Her job isn’t easy, she said. Sometimes she has to handle unexpected adjustments or emergencies while still having to run the office. But there are still qualities Ms. Thatcher enjoys about her work.
She said, “What I love most about my job is working with a good team and supportive colleagues but also understanding that when we come together, it contributes to a larger mission here with our students.”
While working at UA for so many years, she also has brought her children to UA. Her oldest daughter graduated from UA in 2021, and currently attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and her son is currently in kindergarten. Her youngest daughter will start kindergarten at UA in the 2026-2027 school year.
Ms. Thatcher said she has chosen to bring her own kids to UA because of the strong education the school provides, the resources available and the skilled teachers.
When she isn’t working, Ms. Thatcher likes to go to the gym.
In addition, Ms. Thatcher said, “Most people don’t know that I am extremely creative and love to do hair. I’ve actually been doing hair since the age of 13.”
Her creativity also plays a role in her job.
Ms. Cynthia Kivett, UA’s director of admissions, works with Ms. Thatcher in the front office. Ms. Kivett constantly sees teamwork, professionalism and courtesy in Ms. Thatcher.
Ms. Kivett said she is a hard worker and a forward-thinker who meets expectations and regularly goes above and beyond. Her ability to think outside the box, work skillfully, and deliver timely, proficient results makes her an irreplaceable member of the team.
Another thing Ms. Kivett said she sees that makes Ms. Thatcher different is her good attitude.
She said, “Thatcher’s ‘no-matter-what-smile’ sets her apart from other co-workers. She smiles, even when she’s angry.”
She plays a crucial role at University Academy. Every school needs a Ms. Thatcher.