Thomas “Tom” V. Flores comes to Life University from Emory University where he was heavily involved with the formation of their Initiative in Religion, Conflict, and Peacebuilding and served as its first Post-doctoral Fellow, then Visiting Professor of Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Practices. At Life University, he is now serving as Assistant Professor of Positive Human Development and Social Change (PHDSC), where he co-conceived and co-developed, along with Dr. Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, the new AA, and BA degree programs in Positive Human Development and Social Change. He is teaching numerous courses within the degrees, and is directing the Concentration in “Peace Studies and Sustainable Human Flourishing.”

Dr. Flores has extensive teaching experience and has hosted such guest speakers as former President Jimmy Carter, and the Cultural Ambassador / Traditional Queen of Liberia in his classes. His research interests integrate religion, peace studies and conflict transformation, expressive arts, psychologies of violence, altruism and enemy construction, inter-religious dialogue, international Museums for Peace, and secular ethics and contemplative practices. His publications covering such areas in articles and book chapters are highly interdisciplinary.

Dr. Flores used to work in the music business and is an accomplished musician who has performed in the United States, Canada, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, the Virgin Islands, and Japan. He continues to play and is passionate about integrating creativity, artistry, and contemplative frameworks in education, social engagement, and professional endeavors.   He is thrilled to contribute to and learn from the Life University community