Worline joins UM-Flint as a Jack W. Thompson, M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professor

Monica Worline, an organizational psychologist and faculty director of the University of Michigan's Center for Positive Organizations, has joined UM-Flint for the 2025-26 academic year as a Jack W. Thompson, M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professor. 

Worline's work focuses on cultivating more courageous thinking, compassionate leadership and forms of organizing that bring people's best work to life. She is a leading voice in advancing integrative models that synthesize work across the positive organizational scholarship community, supporting leaders and changemakers in building organizations designed to thrive. Her current research focuses on a social architecture framework for designing flexible structures and architecting the capability for human and social thriving within organizations, enabling them to reliably and strategically produce excellence grounded in human well-being. In addition to her work with the Center for Positive Organizations, Worline is also a faculty member in the Ross School of Business Organizations and Management Group and co-author of "Awakening Compassion at Work: The Quiet Power that Elevates People and Organizations."

Members of the UM-Flint community can begin engaging with Worline and her work, 12:30- 2:30 p.m., Oct. 23, in the Harding Mott University Center Happenings Room. Students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to interact with Worline and receive a copy of her book. Lunch will be provided and prospective attendees are asked to RSVP online. 

"Throughout her engagement as a Thompson Visiting Professor, Dr. Worline's service will center on advancing a culture of compassion, collaboration, and flourishing across our campus community," said Abby Parrill-Baker, UM-Flint provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.  "Through her scholarship and leadership, Dr. Worline demonstrates how caring for people not only enriches organizational life but also creates a competitive advantage. Her lectures, book talks, workshops, and small group sessions will provide us with practical frameworks for rebuilding trust, fostering resilience, and cultivating a positive culture in the wake of significant transitions. Her presence on campus strengthens our commitment to the ongoing work of becoming a more caring, connected, and thriving community."

Established in 2004, the Jack W. Thompson, M.D. Distinguished Visiting Professorship is awarded to nationally acclaimed scholars or public intellectuals in a field of broad interest. The professorship's namesake benefactor was an OB-GYN who practiced in Flint from 1950-83. He was the son of Frances Willson Thompson, whose gifts led to the naming of the Frances Willson Thompson Library and established the Critical Issues Forum. 

Faculty interested in scheduling a classroom visit with Worline can contact Shelby Newport, professor of theatre, at snewport@umich.edu.