Teri C. Tompkins, the eldest in a large family, was born and raised in southern California, where she has enjoyed the rich diversity of people and geography. She received her bachelor of arts and master of science degrees from California State University, Long Beach in not-for-profit management from the Recreation and Leisure Studies department. Her mother often asked her if she was still majoring in "fun." She held several positions in youth agencies including the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
In 1983, she quit her job to train and qualify for the 1984 Olympic archery trials. The experience gave her confidence to change careers. She enrolled in the M.B.A. program at The Claremont Graduate University (CGU). As a research assistant for Professor Vijay Sathe, she began researching and writing cases. She subsequently enrolled in the Ph.D. program, and used cases as part of her dissertation research. Upon graduation from CGU, she joined the faculty at The University of Redlands, and became involved in the Western Casewriters Association, where she became president from 1995 to 1996. She is a member of the North American Case Research Association. After receiving tenure at the University of Redlands in 1999, she served as department chair until 2001. She then joined the faculty at Pepperdine University in 2001.
She consults in the areas of team development and learning. Her interests include writing biographies for children, and anything t8 do with nature including, hiking, biking, and natural science. After delaying parenthood for years, she and her spouse are thoroughly enjoying raising two daughters, ages four and six.