Meet John Thompson

What do you teach? What is the top learning goal for that class?

I am currently teaching SI 511 - Management of Analytics Teams (MAT).  The class is based on my 2nd book – Building Analytics Teams.  The concept underpinning the book and the class is that analytics teams are more like a salon of artists than a regular technology or project team.  The top learning goal is to begin to teach students to appreciate and to amplify the unique aspects of analytics teams to drive change and transformation.

How and when did you start teaching at UMSI?

Winter 2025 is my first semester teaching at UMSI.  I have long admired Michigan in general and over the past 5 years, I have learned how unique UMSI is.  I am very excited to teach both undergraduate and graduate levels.  It is a true joy to be on campus meeting with students, alumni, faculty, and administrators. 

What’s your favorite thing about working with UMSI students?

I love their unbridled curiosity and willingness to jump into a discussion about almost any topic.  I have engaged with UMSI students for a few years now, but outside of campus.  A couple years ago, we hosted a capstone project with UMSI UX students.  The project was a huge success.  The students brought a whole new level of energy, excitement, and unique ideas to the project.  Our employees were really drawn to the students and the outcome truly improved the software product we were working on.

What’s your deal?

I grew up in Clifford, Michigan.  I went to school in Marlette.  I received my BS from Ferris State in Computer Science.  I think I was one step removed from an abacus at that time.  Prior to college, I was an automotive and diesel mechanic.  I never intended to go to college, but after a year of working, I thought I would give it a try.  I found that I was naturally drawn to programming and computer science.  I have spend the last 38 years building analytical systems and writing books.  I have worked in 20 different industries across the world.  I am publishing my 5th book now – The Path to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).  My whole adult life, from a professional perspective, has been about solving interesting problems with data and analytics.  My wife and I are about to celebrate our 30th anniversary.  We have two children; a son who is 27, and our daughter who is a UMSI graduate, is 25.

What’s something you want folks at UMSI to know about you?

I love to help people.  I want everyone to understand and feel comfortable with Artificial Intelligence (AI), data, and analytics.  I am a nerd for sure.  Being from Michigan, I love cars, motorcycles and birds.  And while not really a Michigan thing, I love rockets too.  I am so very pleased and excited to be teaching at UMSI, it is truly a dream come true.