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Tom Hogan is a professor of practice in human resource management. He is also the Scholar-in-Residence for the Center for the Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State. He serves as a faculty scholar for the Student Engagement Network Faculty Academy and is a member of the Teaching and Learning with Technology Faculty cohort. Dr. Hogan holds a master of public administration and a master of regional planning from Penn State University. He received his doctorate in management from the University of Maryland University College.

What are your areas of expertise and research, and how did you decide to focus on those areas?

"I view myself as a Human Capital Management scholar, strategic adviser, executive coach, and EdTech thought leader. I am an internationally recognized subject matter expert on business ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical and socially responsible AI. My areas of expertise and research are an extension of a life-long interest in understanding and unlocking human potential. I seek to identify the obstacles in the workplace and in society that need to be removed for human beings to become the best versions of themselves."

How does your research provide insight into elements that affect the workforce?

"I’m guided by the principle that human beings are interconnected, interrelated, and interdependent. Furthermore, our long-term sustainability as a species on planet earth depends on recognizing and respecting human differences and our commitment to developing equitable and inclusive societies where members feel a common purpose and sense of belonging. My research provides insights into what leaders need to do to create an organizational culture that supports and encourages the workforce to bring their best selves to work."

What current research projects have you been working on?

"Currently, I am the Principal Investigator of a two-year research study titled “Creating Transformational Experiences: The Art of Student Engagement and Engaged Scholarship.” The study seeks to understand the potential contributions of the arts in inspiring students in higher education to become psychologically involved, connected to, and passionate about learning. This research will create and disseminate knowledge specifically pertaining to the arts, student engagement and engaged scholarship (i.e., out of classroom learning), and their convergence by linking select theories to effective strategies, policies, practices, tools, metrics, outcomes, and impacts. Also, storytelling will be employed as captured by video to document the student experience throughout the research project’s life cycle. 

"In addition, I am a Penn State Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) Faculty Fellow for the academic year 2020 – 2021. This involves collaborating with a team from TLT to design, develop, and launch Phase 1 of The Virtual Transformational Leadership Development (VTLD) Experience. The VTLD Experience is a learning space designed to promote racial equity by developing the next generation of leaders (i.e., 18 – 24 years of age) as agents of social justice. This game-changing project leverages Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to personalize the experience and enable an intelligent virtual coach."

Why do you think it is important to understand and study these things? 

"My hope is that these projects will provide insights into what human beings need to do to live and work in peace and harmony on planet earth. Specifically, how we can create a sense of inclusion, belonging, and shared common interests for everyone."

What are your goals for the future in regard to your work professionally (i.e., do you want to write a book based on your research, do you want to be a consultant for government projects, do you see yourself working specifically with communities, etc.)?

"Looking forward, I intend to focus on conducting research, teaching, publishing and presenting at conferences, symposiums, and summits on the topics of racial equity, social justice, ethical and socially responsible AI, student engagement, and engaged scholarship. I am particularly excited about transforming higher education and reimaging the classroom of the future. I am also seeking opportunities to serve on the Board of Directors of an EdTech start-up company, where I can serve as a strategic resource."

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

"I am passionate about the arts, physical fitness, Penn State Women’s Volleyball, and meditation and mindfulness. I am proud of serving as the first-ever scholar-in-residence at the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State."

March 11, 2021