Dr. Kristi Cole, Ph.D.

Dr. Kristi Cole serves as the founding Chief Education Officer of The Lincoln Academy, Beloit’s first K–12 charter school. Since 2019, upon being a consultant with Kids First Beloit, she has guided the school from concept to reality, overseeing all aspects of educational programming, staffing, finances, operations, and contract compliance.

A seasoned leader in urban education, Dr. Cole previously served as Chief Operations Officer for a high-performing K–8 charter school network in Milwaukee, managing four campuses and serving over 2,000 scholars. Her earlier roles include Teacher, Principal, Project Director for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative, Director of Diversified Community Schools, and Chief Charter School Officer for Milwaukee Public Schools.

Dr. Cole’s academic achievements include a Ph.D. in Service and Leadership and a Superintendent’s License from Cardinal Stritch University, along with multiple master’s degrees and certifications in Education, Library Science, and Administrative Leadership. She is a Wallace Urban Leader Fellow, recognized as one of Wisconsin’s top 30 urban principals, and is the chairperson of the Wisconsin Independent Charter School Advocates (WICSA) and the State Superintendent’s Charter Schools Advisory Council.

Passionate about mentorship and educational innovation, Dr. Cole has taught leadership courses at Alverno College and presented nationally on topics including urban leadership and positive school culture, parent and community partnerships, school operations, and restorative justice practices.

When she’s not leading transformative educational initiatives, Dr. Cole enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her three dogs. She also enjoys gardening, reading, scrapbooking, traveling, and watching documentaries.