Thomas Dickens

Thomas L. Dickens is the Assistant Dean for Organizational Development and Culture for University Libraries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Elmhurst College and a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Connecticut. In his current role, Dickens leads transformative efforts to foster a welcoming, supportive workplace and a vibrant organizational culture that enables employees to thrive. Reporting to the Vice Provost and Dean of University Libraries, Dickens supports the university’s shared values by collaborating with internal and university-wide stakeholders to recruit, retain, and develop a talented workforce advancing research, teaching, and learning. As a senior leader, he contributes to organizational strategy, resource allocation, and decision-making while spearheading programs, dialogues, and trainings that strengthen workplace culture. Focusing on sustained cultural transformation, this position ensures a cohesive approach to enhancing employee well-being and delivering an exceptional service experience to library users.

Thomas has been a Higher Education practitioner for over 10 years. Prior to joining The Ohio State University, Thomas worked at the University of Michigan as the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist for the University Library. In this role, Thomas provided leadership, consultation, programming, and systems/data analysis around internal issues and external trends regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Thomas was also responsible for coordinating efforts connected to the library’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Five-Year Strategic Plan, which included designing and managing strategic objectives that aligned with library values as well as increasing transparency around efforts to create a more inclusive environment.