The Jack W. Thompson M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professorship, started in 2004, invites prominent individuals in diverse fields of interest to discuss their research.
Established through a fund created by Flint-based obstetrician Dr. Jack Thompson, the Professorship provides distinguished individuals from notable local and international educational institutions with the opportunity to delve into the subject of their research at the University of Michigan-Flint.
Nominated Jack W. Thompson M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professorship candidates are determined by the relevance of their experiences and perspectives, which they can impart upon UM-Flint’s community.
The research covered by these individuals discusses a wide range of topics. Previous research topics have included Dr. Nawal El Saadawi’s, political advocate, talk on religious oppression and Maxine Bédat’s, author of “Unraveled” and lawyer, exploration of the clothing garment production process.
These individuals are nominated by anyone in the UM-Flint community. Provided there are enough funds to support a person, these individuals are appointed as Jack W. Thompson M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professorship faculty. However, if there are not enough funds to bring a nominated guest to UM-Flint, a faculty review committee is established to make recommendations regarding bringing a particular nominee to UM-Flint.
After being appointed, they serve as faculty at UM-Flint, host seminars for university faculty, conduct lectures for enrolled students and engage in discussions with community members focused on their research. These individuals also host events tailored to their research interests.
UM-Flint’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Abby Parrill-Baker, said the program offers “perspectives worth sharing” to UM-Flint. “I have talked to some faculty that have really enjoyed going to the events that our distinguished professors have put on. It sparks their creativity on how to integrate these topics in classes from the Fine Arts to the Biological Sciences. ”
“I think it has definitely helped in my classes, “ Ariana Morse, a sophomore majoring in electrical engineering at UM-Flint who attended Monica Worline’s Jack W. Thompson M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professorship event on the power of compassion, said. “Some of my classes are very group-based, and getting to get know the people that I am working with on a team is beneficial. ”
Mathew Varghese is a writer for the Michigan Times, he can be reached at mathvarg@umich.edu.
