Thomas J. Vicino

Dr. Thomas J. Vicino is the Dean of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, where he is also Professor of Urban Studies. Previously, he held administrative and professorial roles at Northeastern University, including as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, as Chair of the Department of Political Science, and as Director of the Master of Public Administration Program.

Dr. Vicino brings a passion for inclusive excellence to various roles in higher education across 20 years as an academic administrator, researcher, teacher, mentor, and strategic planner. His leadership focuses on advancing opportunities through interdisciplinary research, experiential education, innovative programs, global citizenship, and lifelong learning with a record of building collaborative partnerships and civic engagement. He weaves a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging throughout his work.

Dr. Vicino has dedicated his career to advancing the next generation of scholars and service professionals. As the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Governing Board of the Urban Affairs Association, Dr. Vicino led the foremost international professional organization for urban scholars, researchers, and public service professionals.

As an interdisciplinary scholar of public policy, Dr. Vicino’s work is motivated by a dedication to shape and improve the public good. Throughout his career, he has taught and mentored scores of undergraduate and graduate students. Fluent in Portuguese, he is a strong advocate for global experiential education. For many years, he has led a study abroad program, “The Twenty-First Century City,” in some of the world’s most dynamic cities—from Rio de Janeiro, to Tokyo, to London.

An internationally-recognized scholar of urban affairs, Dr. Vicino specializes in the political economy of cities and suburbs, focusing on issues of metropolitan development, housing, and demographic analysis. He is the author or editor of five books, including the bestselling book Cities and Suburbs: New Metropolitan Realities in the US. He has also published numerous book chapters, essays, reviews, and research articles in leading peer-reviewed journals. He serves on various editorial boards including the Journal of Race, Ethnicity and the City and Urban Planning.

A first-generation college student, he holds a PhD and MPP in Public Policy from the School of Public Policy at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He holds a BSc, cum laude, with departmental honors in political science and communication studies, from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.