Thomas Brown, Managing Principal
Thomas Brown is a lifelong educator with an impressive record of success in creating academic and student affairs programs that promote increased satisfaction, achievement, and retention. Tom is known for his ability to communicate effectively with the diverse constituencies that comprise educational institutions, organizations, and communities – from board members to executive leadership, from faculty and administrators to frontline staff. A thoughtful, experienced, and engaging leader, Tom often uses humor to produce frank and meaningful dialogue around contentious and complex issues. His work is based on an integration of theories, research findings, and practical experience that makes a real difference for individuals and organizations.
Tom Brown served as an educator in academic and student affairs for 27 years, most recently as the Dean of Advising Services/Special Programs at Saint Mary's College of California. In addition to developing and administering Saint Mary's nationally recognized academic advising program, he was responsible for new student and family orientation programs, Academic Support and Achievement (e.g., tutoring, services for students with disabilities), pre-law advising, and the Offices of Asian Pacific American, Black, Latino, and International Student Programs. Tom initiated Saint Mary's International Students' Program and recruited for the College in Asia for five years. He also developed the High Potential Program, which provided access and support to first-generation students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Graduation rates for High Potential students exceeded those for all other cohorts at Saint Mary's.
Tom Brown has served as a consultant to more than 400 colleges and universities in the US and abroad, as well as to the Gates Millennium Scholars, the Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, the Peace Corps, US Ninth Circuit Court, and numerous other public and private organizations. Tom is regularly invited to deliver keynote addresses at national conferences, campus colloquia, and workshops for faculty and staff. He is also widely known for his ability to engage, inspire and motivate students. He has published and presented extensively in areas related to student retention, academic advising, international education, and promoting the achievement and success of multicultural, international and at-risk students. His most recent publication is a co-edited book, Fulfilling the Promise of the Community College, Increasing First Year Student Engagement and Success, which was co-sponsored by the American Association for Community Colleges.
Tom has held numerous leadership positions in the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), served as Chair of the Prelaw Advisors National Council, and he has earned numerous awards and recognition for his leadership and program development in the US and abroad.
From 1998-2001, Tom was a member of the Leadership Team and Executive Director of a foundation for De La Salle Institute (DLSI) in Napa, California. DLSI is the San Francisco District (CA, OR, WA) headquarters of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. The Institute provided over $6 million in annual support for elementary and secondary schools, a college, and numerous educational programs for students from poor and marginalized backgrounds in the western US, India, Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan and The Philippines.