I am originally from Colorado and grew up in Colorado Springs (graduated high school in 1981), but have also lived in Kentucky, New Mexico, Ohio, West Virginia and Georgia for a period of time. My educational background includes a PhD in Educational Policy Studies (1999) from the University of Kentucky, a MS in Geography and Applied Statistics - double major (1987) from the University of Northern Colorado, and a BA in Geography with a minor in Business Administration (1985) also from the University of Northern Colorado. My areas of expertise in geography are Cultural Geography, Urban Geography and South America. I also have a strong interest in climatology.

I am a twice Fulbright recipient (Brazil: 1993 and India: 1997), and have won the Great Teacher Award (2000) and a NISOD teaching award (1998). I also have several publications and conference presentations on topics ranging from terrorism in Northern Ireland to Geography's role in community colleges. In addition, I have traveled extensively through Europe three times, Australia, the Caribbean, Belize, and 49 of our 50 states. My hobbies include hiking, scuba diving, traveling, and movies.

Before arriving at Las Positas College, I was Dean of Applied Arts and Sciences at College of Alameda (2003 - 2005); Division Head for Business, Humanities, and Social Sciences at New Mexico State University at Alamogordo (2001 - 2003); Associate Professor of Geography at Prestonsburg Community College in Prestonsburg, KY (1991 - 2001) and Instructor of Geography at Glenville State College in Glenville, WV (1989 - 1991). I have also taught part time at Morehead State University and Alice Lloyd College in Kentucky and Patten University in Oakland.

Additional Contact Information

Thomas Dodge: Email or Telephone: (925) 424-1339