Ursuline Academy of New Orleans announces new Chair of the Board of Trustees

Written By Alicia Vial

Distinguished Educator and Ursuline Alumna Angele Thibodeaux Burns ’87 to Lead Board

NEW ORLEANS – Ursuline Academy of New Orleans is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Angele Thibodeaux Burns ’87 as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. A passionate educator, an accomplished nonprofit leader and dedicated Ursuline alumna, Dr. Thibodeaux Burns brings more than 30 years of experience in education and leadership to the role.

A proud graduate of Ursuline Academy, Dr. Thibodeaux Burns embodies the values of Serviam—I will serve—that defines the school’s mission. As a student, she was an active member of the Key Club and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Her formative years at Ursuline laid the foundation for a life and career rooted in faith, service and a commitment to empowering others through education.

“It is a profound honor to return to the place that first inspired my love for learning and service,” said Dr. Thibodeaux Burns. “As Chair of the Board, I am committed to ensuring that Ursuline continues to provide young women with the academic excellence, spiritual formation and leadership development that have shaped generations of students—including myself.”

Dr. Thibodeaux Burns holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master’s degree in bilingual and multicultural education from the University of Arizona, a specialist degree in K-12 educational leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and research from Louisiana State University.

Throughout her career, she has served as an elementary teacher, educational consultant, K-8 principal, nonprofit leader and university professor. She currently serves as the Vice President of Financial Capabilities at Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, where she focuses on expanding access to financial literacy education, small business development and youth career readiness—thanks to generous support from Liberty Bank and Trust Company.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Thibodeaux Burns has served on numerous nonprofit boards across the country and remains active in community service through her membership in the Rotary Club of New Orleans, The Links, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

“Angele’s leadership dedication to education, faith and service exemplifies the spirit of Ursuline,” said Laurie Leiva, President, Ursuline Academy. “We are thrilled to have her continued leadership as she guides the Board through our 300th anniversary celebration in 2027 and helps us build on our rich legacy while preparing our students to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

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About Ursuline Academy of New Orleans
Founded in 1727, Ursuline Academy of New Orleans is the oldest Catholic school and the oldest continuously operating school for girls in the United States. Rooted in the tradition of St. Angela Merici, the Academy is committed to the spiritual, intellectual, and moral development of young women in the spirit of Serviam: “I will serve.”

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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