Thomas “Tom” V. Flores holds a PhD from Emory University in Religious Studies, with a concentration in Religion, Conflict, and Peacebuilding. He was heavily involved with Emory’s Initiative in Religion, Conflict, and Peacebuilding as its first Post-doctoral Fellow, then Visiting Professor of Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Practices at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. His research and publishing areas integrate: diversity, tolerance, and culture; peace studies and conflict transformation; expressive arts for social change; psychologies of violence, altruism and enemy construction; inter-religious dialogue; international Museums for Peace; and peace building contemplative practices. He also has degrees in Theology, Political Science, and Music.

At Life University, he is serving as Assistant Professor of Positive Human Development and Social Change, where he co-conceived and co-developed, along with Dr. Brendan Ozawa-de Silva, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Positive Human Development and Social Change (PHDSC), as well as the Associate of Arts degree in PHDSC offered at the Lee Arrendale State Women’s Prison in North Georgia (a component of the Chillon Project). He teaches numerous courses for the Chillon Project. For seven years, he has taught and continues to teach World Religions for Georgia Gwinnett College. Prior to his academic career, Tom was in the music business and a professional musician in his home city of Los Angeles, California.

“Practicing the skills of Compassionate Integrity Training has made an incalculable difference in so many areas of my life and understanding.  I have seen it bring incredible insight and benefit to the lives of my students.  Now more than ever, it is sorely needed in education and society today.“