Provost Amy Thompson Brings Passion and Vision to Oakland University

When Amy Thompson, Ph.D., accepted the position as executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost at Oakland University, she wasn’t just stepping into a new role, she was coming home. A Michigan native and first-generation college graduate, Thompson describes her move to OU as a “dream job,” and her energy, compassion and strategic vision have already begun to leave an impression on campus.

“This is home for me,” she says. “At this point in my life, it's about giving back. I came back to Michigan because I want to help grow the workforce here. I want to make sure people like my mom – who had to rely on telehealth because there weren’t enough doctors in her rural area – have access to better care, better education and more opportunity.”

“Amy brings a powerful combination of intellect and energy to Oakland University,” says OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D. “She inspires confidence, builds connections and leads with purpose. I have no doubt she will help shape a bright, bold future for our institution.”

Thompson's story is deeply rooted in perseverance and gratitude. Her parents did not attend college. Her mother earned her GED after dropping out of high school to follow her father who served in the Korean War before becoming a small business owner. Despite these challenges, her family always supported her education, which ultimately led her to earn a doctorate in health education and a career spanning more than 20 years in higher education leadership.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Central Michigan University, a Master of Science in Education in public health and a doctorate in health education from the University of Toledo.

Before joining Oakland University, Thompson served as provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she led a broad portfolio of six colleges, a medical school and the university’s research enterprise. There, she championed student retention, launched a center for health professions and implemented innovative academic initiatives.

Previously, she spent 14 years at the University of Toledo in various leadership roles, including senior vice provost of Academic Affairs, vice provost of Faculty Affairs and acting dean of the College of Graduate Studies. She was also a faculty member at Mississippi State University and Kent State University.

One of Dr. Thompson’s greatest joys since arriving at Oakland University has been walking the campus and personally connecting with faculty, staff and students – often with a box of donuts in hand. Whether she’s delivering treats to thank a department or just popping in to say hello, her visits are often met with surprise and delight. She is a leader who shows up and listens. “I don’t stay in my office,” she says. “I get energized by being with people. I want to meet the incredible individuals who make this university special.”

Since joining the university in March, Thompson launched an ambitious strategic plan and is overseeing a reorganization of the Provost’s Office to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. Her priorities are clear: staying ahead of educational trends, embracing technological advancements like artificial intelligence and expanding OU’s reach through online and global education.

“AI is not going away,” she explains. “It’s a tool and a powerful one. We need to teach our students how to use it responsibly and effectively. It’s going to change how we work, how we teach and how we live. At OU, we’re not going to fall behind, we’re going to continue to lead.”

Thompson also believes deeply in Oakland University’s role as an anchor institution; a steward of place with a responsibility to uplift the region.

“The region should be stronger because the university is here, and it is. OU contributes $1.9 billion to Michigan’s economy and 95% of our graduates stay in the state,” she says. “We are creating the next generation of doctors, teachers, engineers and community leaders. We care deeply about our community and we are doing the work – whether it’s street medicine, free clinics or economic development.”

Thompson is enthusiastic about connecting with alumni and sees them as essential partners in OU’s mission. She is looking forward to meeting and getting to know many alumni at OU’s Alumni & Friends Weekend in Traverse City, September 12 – 14.

“Our alumni are the gems of this university. They are our brand. They’re our success stories,” she says. “We need their expertise, whether it’s through mentoring, hosting internships, offering career advice or simply coming back to share their stories with students.”

From launching academic reforms to handing out donuts, Thompson has quickly become a visible part of the OU community. But above all else, her passion is fueled by one thing:

“My ‘why’ is our students,” she says. “I wake up every day excited because I see their dreams unfolding. Some of them never thought they could even go to college. And here they are earning degrees and building futures. That’s what drives me. That’s why I’m here.”