A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Brock

In our second edition of the From Roots to Research series, we had the privilege to speak with Dr. Thomas (Tom) Brock, Director of the Community College Research Center and Research Professor at Teachers College, whose research has been shaped by a commitment to addressing poverty, advancing education policy, and improving student outcomes through evidence-based reforms. Dr. Brock’s journey offers invaluable insights into the world of academia and research.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): Dr. Brock, thank you for taking the time to chat with us! To start, can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in education and research? 

Dr. Tom Brock: I am currently the Director of the Community College Research Center (CCRC) and a Research Professor at Teachers College. I have been in this role for six years, but I have been working in the field for over 30 years now - hard to believe!

When I started my career, my interest was initially in issues around poverty. I was not an education   researcher. After earning a master’s degree at Columbia University, I took my first job at MDRC, a     nonprofit social policy research organization. At MDRC, I worked on studies of job training programs,   welfare reform, and youth employment initiatives.

 At first, I was involved in proposal writing and fundraising, but I eventually wanted to engage directly   in the research process. This led me back to graduate school at UCLA, where I earned a Ph.D. in   Social  Welfare. My dissertation and early research focused on the implementation of the federal   welfare reform policies, which in the late-1980s and  early-1990s focused on job training and   education programs designed to improve people’s chances in the labor market.

 Through this work, I came to understand the crucial role community colleges play in providing   education, training, and social services. As I learned more, I became increasingly inspired by their   mission and their efforts to serve students from all backgrounds. Over time, my research focus shifted almost exclusively to community colleges, and that’s where my work is centered today.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): You highlighted the transformative role community colleges play in improving students' lives and opportunities. As a former community college graduate, I deeply understand this impact - my alma mater, Everett Community College, was instrumental in my journey to pursuing higher education and eventually my doctoral studies here at Teachers College. So, thank you for your incredible efforts in this area. Given the significance of your work, could you share some of the research projects you are currently leading?

Dr. Tom Brock: At CCRC, I oversee a broad portfolio of research projects while supporting our staff and students. These projects span the entire spectrum of the community college experience.

For instance, we’re conducting significant work on dual enrollment programs, which allow high school students to simultaneously earn college credits. Research has shown that getting an early start in college improves the likelihood of attending and completing a degree.

On the other end of the spectrum, we’re studying transfer pathways - helping community college students successfully transition to four-year universities and ultimately earn bachelor’s degrees. This is crucial because a bachelor’s degree opens up wider economic opportunities compared to an associate degree.

Another major focus is sector-based training, especially as it pertains to preparing students for workforce-ready jobs. For example, we’re about to launch a new project focused on green jobs, exploring how community colleges can prepare students for roles in renewable energy, energy-efficient construction, and other emerging fields in the green economy.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): It’s inspiring to see the scope of your work. From dual enrollment to green jobs, your projects address challenges across a student’s academic and career journey. Is there a particular aspect of this work that excites you the most or that you’re especially passionate about exploring further?

Dr. Tom Brock: What excites me most is seeing the direct impact of our research. For instance, CCRC has done extensive work on developmental or sometimes called remedial education, showing that traditional approaches often harm students instead of helping them. Many community colleges used to require students to complete developmental courses before they could enroll in college-level classes.

Our research–led by Professors Tom Bailey, Judith Scott-Clayton, and others–revealed that traditional,prerequisite courses did not equip students with the skills they needed to succeed in college and contributed to high dropout rates. CCRC found that the standardized tests colleges used to assess students’ skills led to overplacement in developmental education. We helped pioneer multiple measures assessment, in which students are placed through a combination of high school grades and test scores, and found that it greatly reduces the number of students assigned to developmental education and helps students earn college credits more quickly.

CCRC research has also advanced the idea of corequisite remediation, where students receive additional academic support while taking college-level courses. This approach has also been shown to significantly improve student outcomes.

About 10 years ago, CCRC developed a framework for whole-college reform that we call guided pathways. The main idea behind guided pathways is that community colleges need to be organized so that every student who enters college has an individualized plan and receives the ongoing advising and support needed to earn a credential that leads to a good job or transfer to a four-year institution in a reasonable amount of time, without accumulating excess credits. Hundreds of colleges have embraced the core principles, but many faced challenges due to leadership changes or disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. We are redoubling our efforts to give community colleges the information and tools they need to fully implement guided pathways reforms so that they can better serve students and stay committed to reforms that improve outcomes.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): You have mentioned the importance of mentors and guidance throughout your career. Reflecting on your journey, were there specific individuals or experiences that helped shape your path and ultimately inspire your work in education?

Dr. Tom Brock: Absolutely, and I wouldn’t be here today without the guidance of many individuals. During my undergraduate and graduate years, I had professors who showed an interest in me, encouraged me, and helped me clarify my vision of how I could make a difference.

I try to emulate my best professors when working with master’s and Ph.D. students at CCRC. In particular, we coordinate with the Education Policy and Social Analysis (EPSA) department to provide training to 15 doctoral students. We arrange apprenticeships in applied postsecondary education research, give them feedback on their work, and encourage them through the inevitable setbacks. When they’re ready to enter the workforce, we leverage our networks to help them land opportunities.

I don’t know if I will ever be as impactful as my own mentors, but I do my best to carry their example forward.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): Thank you so much for sharing this! Would you also say what you enjoy the most about being at Teachers College?

Dr. Tom Brock: I would say the students. Period. The chance to work with students on our research projects, to get to know them and their personal goals. As I was saying earlier, being a part of their career development and progression is truly the greatest honor and privilege I have here at Teachers College.

I would also add that I love the environment of Teachers College. The breadth of interests reflected among the students and faculty is remarkable, and the opportunity to study almost any field or subfield of education is unique. Beyond that, you can make connections to other disciplines - whether it is through other professional schools at Columbia or in New York City, or in traditional social science fields like economics and sociology.

I feel like I am constantly learning here every day. Not many jobs offer that; most become routine after a while. But I can honestly say I have never had two days at Teachers College that feel exactly alike, and I think that’s a very good thing.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): Your advice is clearly rooted in both professional expertise and personal experience. For students and faculty here at Teachers College, what guidance would you offer to help them navigate their own academic and professional journeys?

Dr. Tom Brock: For students, I would encourage them to take full advantage of the resources at Teachers College and Columbia University. Take a variety of classes, engage in research, and explore opportunities to serve the community. All of this helps clarify your goals and prepares you to contribute meaningfully to your field.

For faculty, I would say it is essential to look beyond the walls of Teachers College. Collaborate across disciplines, connect with colleagues, and find ways to address real-world education challenges in New York City and beyond. The knowledge we generate should lead to policy changes and improved classroom practices - it’s about making a meaningful impact.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): How do you maintain your work-life balance? Outside of academia, what are your hobbies and interests?

Dr. Tom Brock: I ride my bike to work most days and love exploring New York City on two wheels -  it’s such a different experience than being in a subway or taxi. I also have a very athletic dog named Zora, my partner, and I go on long walks to explore New York City parks and outlying areas as far away as Vermont.

As for a fun fact, I have done some long-distance rides – most recently in the south of Spain – and from San Francisco to Los Angeles and across Iowa sometimes as part of charity events. I always have enjoyed the sense of community that comes with being part of large group rides. 

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): What is currently inspiring you - whether it’s something you’re reading, listening to, or learning?

Dr. Tom Brock: I love music of all kinds and try to take advantage of New York’s vibrant music scene whenever I can. 

 In terms of reading, I recently finished The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. It’s a beautifully written novel set in Kerala, India, and offers such a different perspective on family, relationships, and daily life without cell phones and other amenities – and perhaps richer for it.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Dr. Brock. Your insights and dedication are truly inspiring.

Dr. Tom Brock:
Thank you - it’s been a pleasure!