Dean’s Office
Incoming Dean Tom Smith’s Academic Journey Leads Back Home
When Dr. Tom Smith begins his role as dean of the School of Education on June 1, it will be a return to his roots. Smith grew up in Dixon, CA, but hasn’t lived in the area since leaving for UCLA in 1984. He was the first in his family to go to college. “Dixon felt kind of small and rural, so it was the old story about wanting to go off to the big city,” he said. “Since then, I’ve only visited. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to come back because I want to help create the kinds of educational opportunities that I had growing up here.”