Dr. Amy Thompson

This week, I attended “An Evening with Dr. Lisa Miller,” hosted by the Cis Maisel Center. It was a thoughtful and engaging conversation. A New York Times bestselling author and leading researcher on spirituality and mental health, she explored the growing crisis of meaning in our society, the human search for community and belonging, and the science behind spirituality beyond traditional religion. Her insights offered a powerful perspective on how connection, purpose, and well-being intersect. Thank you to the Cis Maisel Center for bringing this important dialogue to OU and creating space for reflection and learning across our campus community. #StudentWellBeing #Belonging #MentalHealth #CampusLife #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

One year ago today, I arrived at Oakland University to serve as Provost. It’s my dream role, here in my home state and at a university whose mission I deeply believe in. It’s been one of the most meaningful years of my professional life. I’m incredibly grateful for the way this community welcomed me and for the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who are so dedicated to our students and our shared purpose. And today, I also had the privilege of delivering my first State of Academic Affairs. It was a meaningful moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and to look ahead to what comes next. At OU, our work is centered on impact, expanding opportunity and social mobility for our students and serving as stewards of place for our region. There is so much to be proud of, and even more ahead. To staff, faculty, and students, thank you for being part of this journey. #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

I attended GrizzHacks 8, and the energy in the Engineering Center was incredible. This 24-hour programming and engineering event brings students together to build software and hardware projects from the ground up, creating, collaborating, and problem-solving in real time. There were project demos, tech talks, and hands-on work as students connected with companies and organizations, explored new ideas, and pushed their skills beyond the classroom. In the true spirit of collaboration, teams learned from one another and brought projects to life. Events like GrizzHacks highlight the value and potential of our students and the strength of our programs, where curiosity meets opportunity and innovation takes shape. My thanks to the GrizzHacks team for the months of work behind this event, and to our students for the talent and drive they brought to it. #GrizzHacks #EngineeringAtOU #Innovation #STEM #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

I attended the Authors at Oakland: A Celebration of the Book event, and it was a wonderful reminder of the depth and impact of our faculty’s scholarship. Writing a book is no small accomplishment. It reflects years of inquiry, persistence, and a commitment to advancing knowledge. It was inspiring to celebrate the faculty whose work is shaping their disciplines, challenging ideas, and opening new pathways for discovery. Events like this highlight what makes OU so special: our people, our curiosity, and our shared commitment to learning and impact. Congratulations to all our faculty authors. Your work makes a difference, and we’re proud to celebrate you. #AuthorsAtOakland #CelebrateScholarship #FacultyImpact #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

I had the privilege of joining our Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine students for Residency Match Day, one of the most meaningful and memorable milestones in their medical journey. There’s something incredibly special about watching that moment when years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance come together. The excitement, pride, and anticipation in the room were truly unforgettable. I’m so proud of all you’ve accomplished. As you take this next step in your training, I know you’ll carry forward the compassion, skill, and commitment to patient care that define the OUWB SOM. Congratulations to each of you. We’re cheering you on every step of the way. #MatchDay #FuturePhysicians #OUWB #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

I attended the “Driving Michigan’s Future: Transformation in a Time of Change” conference on innovation at OU. It was an energizing reminder of how much is happening across our state right now. The conversations reflected that, bringing together leaders, educators, and innovators to explore how new technologies, evolving industries, and strong public–private partnerships are shaping what comes next. What stood out most was the focus on connection, linking ideas to action and innovation to real opportunity for our students, workforce, and communities. Events like this help us better understand where things are headed and how we can prepare and contribute in meaningful ways. #Innovation #MichiganFuture #WorkforceDevelopment #PublicPrivatePartnerships #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

I had the pleasure of attending and speaking at the Interdisciplinary Applications of AI and Data Analytics Symposium. It was inspiring to see faculty, students, and industry partners come together around ideas shaping the future. The conversations reinforced what we value at OU: innovation happens when disciplines connect. From health care to business and beyond, AI and data analytics are transforming how we solve complex challenges. Thank you to the Institute for Data Science and the NSF NRT-DAMOS program for bringing this community together and advancing this important work. #DataScience #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

It was a pleasure to join our campus community at this year’s President’s Colloquium and to introduce Dr. Christina Papadimitriou, who was selected to share her research and findings. Christina’s work is a powerful reminder that scholarship is not only about discovery, but it’s also about humanity. Her interdisciplinary research brings together voices across fields to advance more inclusive, collaborative, and relationship-centered healthcare. What stood out most is how deeply her work reflects who we are at OU, a community grounded in collaboration, compassion, and curiosity. From her research to her mentorship of students and colleagues, Christina embodies the very best of our academic mission. Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a thoughtful and engaging conversation. And congratulations to Dr. Papadimitriou on this well-deserved recognition. #ResearchMatters #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

I was grateful to speak at our Excellence in Online Teaching and Learning Luncheon and spend time with faculty who are leading the way in creating thoughtful, engaging online learning experiences for our students. Online education continues to expand how students access higher education, and the care our faculty bring to designing high-quality courses makes a real difference in student success. From innovative teaching strategies to meaningful student engagement, the work happening in our online classrooms reflects OU’s commitment to academic excellence and access. Thank you to our faculty who are advancing online learning in ways that support our students wherever they are. #OnlineLearning #TeachingExcellence #FacultyInnovation #FutureGoldenGrizzlies #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

I attended the 2026 State of the Oakland County Address and appreciated hearing about the continued growth, innovation, and collaboration shaping our region. It’s inspiring to see how strong partnerships between local government, education, business, and community organizations are moving Oakland County forward. As a university deeply connected to this region, OU is proud to contribute to the talent, research, and ideas that support our community’s future. Thank you to County Executive Dave Coulter and the many leaders across Oakland County who work every day to strengthen our communities and expand opportunity for all. #OaklandCounty #CommunityPartnerships #RegionalImpact #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

Today is OU Giving Day – a 24-hour opportunity to come together to support our students, programs, and experiences across OU. Gifts of any size make a difference today – and many will go further, through matches, challenges and more throughout the day. Click on my video to see why I give. bit.ly/3ZRLlLP

I attended our Business Day and spent time with prospective students and families exploring all that OU’s School of Business Administration has to offer. It was energizing to see so many future Golden Grizzlies asking thoughtful questions about academic programs, admissions, financial aid, and the opportunities ahead. From campus tours to conversations with faculty and staff, the day showcased how determination becomes success. I’m especially proud that the SBA is one of just 194 business schools worldwide to earn AACSB International accreditation in both business and accounting. That distinction reflects the quality and real-world relevance of our programs. Thank you to everyone who helped make Business Day such a welcoming and informative experience. #BusinessAtOU #FutureGoldenGrizzlies #AACSB #SBA #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

Winter Fest brought a lot of energy to campus last week. From pre-game festivities and giveaways to free food and time spent together, it was wonderful to see our community come together and celebrate winter the OU way. The celebration even began early with the Winter Fest pre-event in The Habitat in the OC, where students gathered for a screening of Space Jam. It was a fun and relaxed way to kick off the festivities. Thank you to everyone who helped organize and participate in Winter Fest. Moments like these remind us how special our OU community truly is. #WinterFest #WinterAtOU #StudentLife #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

We celebrated the one-year anniversary of The OU Pledge, our commitment to ensuring every OU student has access to meaningful, career-connected experiences embedded in their academic journey. This year, we’ve seen that promise come to life through redesigned courses, expanded internships and co-ops, and strong partnerships that connect learning to opportunity. As the first university in Michigan to make such a commitment, we are proud of the momentum and the outcomes that reflect it. Thank you to our faculty, staff, employer partners, and students for bringing The OU Pledge to life. And thanks to Wayne Thibodeau and the Career and Life Design Center for your leadership in advancing this work. We’re just getting started! #OUPledge #CareerReadiness #ExperientialLearning #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

I toured several outstanding health and research facilities this week, including the Corewell Health Simulation Center, the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences Interprofessional Simulation Center, Michigan State University’s Grand Rapids Research Center, and Corewell Health Place. The innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning happening in these spaces are inspiring. Our partnerships reflect how institutions can work together to prepare the next generation of health professionals and researchers while advancing meaningful, community-focused work. My sincere thanks to Lamont Yoder of Corewell Health and Linda Lewandoski, Dean of the School of Nursing at Grand Valley State University, for their leadership and thoughtful conversations about how we can continue to strengthen collaboration across our region. #HealthSciences #SimulationEducation #ResearchExcellence #CommunityPartnerships #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

It was a pleasure to attend the Oakland Symphony Orchestra performance on Sunday afternoon and see our students truly shine on stage. This special concert featured five student soloists, the 2026 winners of the David Wilder Daniels Concerto Competition, performing alongside our professional “town and gown” ensemble. Watching these talented students share the stage with seasoned musicians was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary experiential learning opportunities happening every day in our School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Thank you to Dr. Elisabeth Honn Hoegberg and the entire SMTD community for an inspiring afternoon of artistry and collaboration. #SMTD #OUArts #ExperientialLearning #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

Looking forward to hosting my first State of Academic Affairs talk at Oakland University . Save the date ! 🐻 #proudprovost #begolden