Dr. Thomas Broxson serves as a coach for Achieving the Dream, helping colleges identify and implement strategies to increase student success and close equity gaps. Additionally, he serves as the vice president for instruction at Clover Park Technical College helping to create a vision for the future of education in Washington State. Previously Dr. Broxson served as the district dean of natural sciences and mathematics at Pierce College and led the college’s award-winning efforts with ATD to improve student outcomes.
Before moving into an administrative position ten years ago, Dr. Broxson spent 17 years as a faculty member with stints at Oregon State University, Willamette University, Linn-Benton Community College, and Pierce College, teaching history, geography, and environmental science. He is a passionate believer in the community and technical college mission and its power to transform lives, families, and communities.
Education
Doctorate in Education | Oregon State University
Graduate Studies in Geoscience | Oregon State University
M.A. (Geography) | California State University Fullerton
B.A. (History & Geography) | California State University Fullerton
Past Experience
Vice President for Instruction | Clover Park Technical College
District Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Pierce College
Chair of Business and Social Science Division | Pierce College
Professor, Geography/Environmental Science | Pierce College
Instructor Coordinator, Geography Program | Linn-Benton Community College
How has education changed your life/your family?
When I was a child I lived in a small town in rural Oregon. My parents had the opportunity to attend the local community college just after it opened. This changed the trajectory of my family. My father became an electrician after completing an apprenticeship program through the CC. We were then able to afford to move to the local university town where I was exposed to many cultures and ideas from around the world. Better schools and more educated friends and neighbors planted a seed in me to read widely, plan to go to college, yearn to see the world and make a difference in it.