Dr. Amy Thompson

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

Yesterday, we came together for our master’s and doctoral commencement ceremony. Earning a graduate degree is a remarkable milestone, one that reflects years of advanced study, research, perseverance, and a deep commitment to learning.

It was an honor to recognize your achievements and share this meaningful moment with you and your families. You’ve contributed new knowledge, pushed boundaries in your fields, and prepared yourselves to lead and make a lasting impact. Congratulations! We’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished.

#OUGrad #ClassOf2026 #GraduateEducation #ResearchExcellence #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

Yesterday, we celebrated more of our Spring 2026 undergraduates.

The morning commencement ceremony honored students from the School of Education and Human Services, School of Health Sciences, and School of Nursing. At the afternoon ceremony, we recognized graduates from the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program, the School of Business Administration, and the School of Engineering and Computer Science.

At both ceremonies, it was inspiring to see your determination, growth, and accomplishments. You leave OU prepared to lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference. Congratulations to each of you. Your future is bright, and we’re so proud.

#OUGrad #ClassOf2026 #SEHS #SHS #BIS #SBA #SECS #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

Yesterday, we celebrated our College of Arts and Sciences graduates at two commencement ceremonies in the OU O’Rena.

This milestone reflects years of curiosity, perseverance, and growth. You’ve challenged yourselves, found your voice, and built a strong foundation for what comes next.

Congratulations, graduates! We’re cheering you on every step of the way.

#OUGrad #ClassOf2026 #CollegeOfArtsAndSciences #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

At our Annual Student Excellence Awards Luncheon, we recognized our students' incredible achievements.

I was honored to recognize two doctoral students as recipients of the prestigious Don and Jan O’Dowd Graduate Awards. We also celebrated our master’s students with the Outstanding Thesis and Outstanding Dissertation Awards, highlighting the depth and impact of their work.

Through the Matilda Dodge Wilson Award, Alfred G. Wilson Award, Human Relations Award, and the inaugural Jean Ann Miller Student Community Engagement Award, it was inspiring to see the many ways our undergraduate students are making a difference, both on campus and in the community.

These students exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to service. Congratulations to all our award recipients. You make our campus community proud.

#StudentExcellence #AcademicAchievement #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

I attended our annual Film Showcase, a festival hosted by the Department of English, Creative Writing, and Film. It was a truly inspiring showcase of student creativity and storytelling, bringing together students, parents, alumni, and faculty to recognize the work produced over the past academic year.

We screened an impressive range of projects and films produced by our graduating seniors. It was especially meaningful to see students’ ideas come to life on screen and hear the stories behind their creative process.

Events like this remind me of the vital role the arts play at OU. Our students are developing their craft, finding their voices, telling important stories, and connecting with audiences in powerful ways. Congratulations to all of our student filmmakers and award recipients. I’m proud of the creativity, talent, and dedication on display.

#ArtsAtOU #FilmShowcase #StudentCreativity #Storytelling #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

I’m truly honored to have been named a 2026 Distinguished Fellow by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, especially from an organization that has been such an important part of my professional journey.

SOPHE has long been my professional home, and I’m grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and experiences that have shaped my path in public health and health education. This award reflects not just my work, but the many people who have supported, challenged, and inspired me along the way.

Public health is about improving lives and strengthening communities, and I remain deeply committed to helping prepare the next generation of professionals to lead in this important field. Thank you to my colleagues for this honor.

#PublicHealth #SOPHE #Leadership #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

I'm excited to share the video of my first State of Academic Affairs: Advancing Academic Excellence. I believe this presentation celebrates our accomplishments and outlines the vision forward for the academic enterprise at OU. Our future is bright at OU and together we are better!

https://t.co/i82haV2l7X

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

Midnight Breakfast is one of OU’s longest-standing traditions, and it was a joy to be part of it this year. I joined faculty, staff, and fellow administrators to serve our students breakfast and celebrate the end of the semester.

There’s something special about this event. From handing out t-shirts to enjoying dueling pianos and connecting with students, the energy in the room is always incredible. It’s a meaningful way to show our appreciation for our on-campus residents and to come together as a community during a busy time of year.

Thank you to University Housing, Chartwells, and Amy Cebelak for organizing such a memorable evening for our students. Moments like this are a great reminder of what makes OU feel like home.

#MidnightBreakfast #OUCommunity #StudentLife #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[OU School of Health Sciences @OaklanduSHS]

Dr. Christina Papadimitriou was the honored speaker at Oakland University President's Colloquium! She spoke about the significance of individuals' relationships and environments while using a more humble, relationship-centered approach.
#InPurposeForHealth #HealthSciencesOU

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

I served as a guest lecturer for our Master of Physician Assistant Studies program's PAS 5050 course, where we explored the role of public health advocacy in shaping policy, advancing equity, and improving community well-being.

It was a thoughtful and engaging conversation. We discussed what it means to be an advocate, how policy decisions affect health outcomes, and the many ways health professionals use their voices to drive meaningful change. What stood out most was the students’ commitment to making a difference not only in clinical settings but also in the communities they will serve.

Experiences like this reflect the importance of preparing future health professionals to think beyond individual care and consider the broader systems that influence health. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of their learning journey.

#MPAS #PublicHealth #HealthEquity #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

We came together to celebrate the faculty who define excellence at Oakland University.

At our Faculty Recognition and Founders Day Luncheon, we honored colleagues whose work spans innovative teaching, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement. Your contributions are shaping your fields, strengthening our academic community, and creating powerful learning experiences for our students.

What stands out most is your impact on our students, on our community, and well beyond our campus. Congratulations to all our honorees, and thank you for the dedication, creativity, and purpose you bring to your teaching each day.

#FacultyExcellence #AcademicExcellence #Research #Teaching #CommunityEngagement #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

It was a pleasure to speak to our admitted students and their families at the Admitted Student Day event to share what makes OU such a special place to learn and grow.

Engaging with prospective students is always meaningful. It’s a chance to discuss what truly defines the OU experience: strong academics, dedicated faculty, and a community built on support and connection. At Oakland, student success is our North Star. From the classroom to research, internships, and beyond, we’re intentional about creating opportunities that help students discover their path and prepare for what comes next.

What I hope students felt today is simple: this is a place where you will be known, supported, and challenged, and where your future begins to take shape. To our admitted students, we’d be honored to welcome you to our OU community.

#FutureGoldenGrizzlies #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

I attended our 13th Annual Lavender Graduation Celebration and Awards Ceremony, a meaningful event that honors the achievements of our LGBTQ+ graduates and the journeys that brought them to this moment.

It was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating a campus where every student feels seen, supported, and able to be themselves fully. The pride, resilience, and sense of community in the room were truly inspiring.

Celebrations like this reflect our commitment to belonging and to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Congratulations to our graduates! Thank you to those who help make this celebration possible each year.

#LavenderGraduation #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

I attended Pre-Med Night, and it was wonderful to see so many prospective students exploring the path to careers in medicine and the health professions.

The event provided a great look at the academic and research opportunities available at OU, along with helpful information about admissions, financial aid, and preparation for professional school. What stood out most was the opportunity for attendees to connect with faculty and peers, ask questions, hear real experiences, and begin to see what their own career journey could look like.

Events like this are an important part of how OU supports students as they discover and explore their passions and prepare for what comes next.

#PreMed #FuturePhysicians #StudentSuccess #HealthSciences #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

I spoke at our Professional Advisers Council to recognize the incredible impact of academic advising at OU. Advising is central to our mission and to student success. Our advisers are often the first to notice when a student needs support, the ones who help them navigate challenges, and the ones who remind them they belong here. That work makes a lasting difference.

Congratulations to this year’s Adviser of the Year recipients: Jade Dang, Senior Adviser in the First-Year Advising Center, recipient of the Patrick C. Bennett Outstanding Professional Academic Advising Award, and Paige Gibson, Academic Adviser in the College of Arts and Sciences, recipient of the Outstanding New Academic Adviser Award.

Thank you to Jade, Paige, and all our advisers for the care, dedication, and commitment you bring to our students every day. You’re essential to who we are as a university.

#CAS #FYAC #OurPeople #AcademicAdvising #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

I joined the SEHS Dean Jon Margerum-Leys and our partners from Oakland Community College (OCC) to sign the Early Childhood Education articulation agreement, an important step in strengthening pathways for our students.

These agreements create clear, seamless opportunities for OCC students to continue their education at OU. After earning their associate degrees, students can transfer to OU to complete their bachelor’s degrees with full credit recognition, reducing barriers and helping them stay on track toward their goals.

I’m grateful to my OU colleagues and our OCC partners for the collaboration and care that made this possible. This is what it looks like when institutions come together to support student success in meaningful ways.

#TransferPathways #EarlyChildhoodEducation #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

It was a joy to speak at the School of Business Administration Senior Recognition Dinner. It was wonderful to spend the evening celebrating and recognizing our students' hard work, growth, and accomplishments.

To our SBA students, you’re graduating from OU with not only strong academic preparation but also the experiences, confidence, and connections that will carry you forward. I’m so proud of all you’ve achieved and excited to see the paths you will take next.

Thank you to Dean Pierce, the SBA faculty and staff, and the families and supporters for guiding and encouraging our students.

#SBAGrads #StudentSuccess #FutureLeaders #YouBelongHere #GrizzlyGreatness #StudentSuccess #AcademicExcellence #InclusiveExcellence #HigherEd #OUImpact #GoldenGrizzlies #BeGolden #ThisIsOU #OaklandUniversity #OaklandU #UniversityOfChoice #OUPride #Grizz #BetterTogether #Provost

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

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

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

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

[Dr. Amy Thompson @AmyThompsonchsl]

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