SON Dean Linda Thompson Adams honored

SON Dean Linda Thompson Adams holds her Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Business and Professional Association.

By Katie Land, news editor

Oakland University’s own Linda Thompson Adams, dean and professor of Oakland University’s School of Nursing (SON), was honored with the Distinguished Leadership Award for Education Thursday, March 5, at the Women and Leadership in the Workplace Conference and Awards Luncheon.

The Michigan Business and Professional Association sponsored the event, where seven powerful, professional women were recognized for their outstanding leadership roles and achievements. Among them were WDIV-TV Anchor Rhonda Walker, St. John Health President and Chief Executive Officer Patricia Maryland, philanthropist Sue Nine and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sue Marx.

“I was really surprised and thrilled,” Adams said of her nomination. “It was a humbling experience to be placed with people who I admire and respect so much.”

Since joining Oakland in 2003, Adams has worked tirelessly to raise nearly 20 million dollars for the advancement and improvement of SON and brought in $40 million for a planned new building to train nurses and nursing administrators.

She has been a vibrant force behind the nursing program here at Oakland and is working with the City of Detroit’s Workforce Development Department to bring a new direction to the way a medical education is achieved. The Institute of the Advancement of Nursing and Health Care is the project that will help guide healthcare hopefuls to success by the most direct route.

“Study hard and be sure to pay attention to your math and sciences,” Adams advised. “Don’t ever give up on yourself and always believe in yourself.”

As an educator, Adams cares deeply for her students, and watching them succeed on their own makes every long hour and every special effort worthwhile.

“I am so proud of the students I have taught who have gone on to great success in their lives. Hearing of my former students and knowing such people makes me proud to be an educator,” she said.

Another of Adams’ favorite missions has been to promote programs to improve the quality of life and education for children and youth. As such, she has served asdirector for the Center for Community Partnerships for Children and Families, while also serving as an associate dean at the University of Maryland School of Nursing.

The Women and Leadership in the Workplace Conference, in its 13th year, honors women leaders while providing information, workshops and networking opportunities to improve the quality and visibility of community businesses. Major sponsors include the Detroit Free Press, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network.