Dr. Thomas Dickson directs higher education initiatives for Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) designed to help more students to and through college. Prior to GIA, Tom worked in higher education for over twenty years in advising, counseling, and administration roles. His work focused on supporting students with their academic progression, finding life and career goals, reducing barriers and helping connect students to resources, and supporting first-generation college students. He has also taught over 75 sections of college courses focused on first-year student success as well as masters and doctoral courses in counseling and academic advising. He is an avid fan of science fiction books and is a massive Lego nerd.