Thomas Smith '89 is a graduate of Police Science and the Hocking College Peace Officer Academy. After graduation he went on to hold numerous careers in law enforcement including working for Meigs County Sheriffs Department, Pomeroy Police Department and teaching and working for Hocking College Police Science. He went on to work for Athens County Sheriff's Department until his retirement in 2012. 

"Since graduating, the foundation this school gave me prepared me to excel," Smith states. 

Before coming to Hocking, Smith spent 22 years in the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer. His work with the Navy included administration duties, coordinating group therapy and counseling sessions, and running drug programs. After his retirement from the Navy Smith became a member of AMVETS.

Smith's military and educational background led him to transition his career into mental health services. In the early 90's Smith joined the mental health community as a chemical dependency counselor and intervention drug program coordinator. 

Alongside his military background and successful work history, Smith was an active member in his community. His dedication and passion for what he does has drove him to become an amazing and experienced individual in both his career and community life. He has worked as a volunteer fire fighter captain and ran Veterans Helping Veterans support groups. 

Most recently Smith has obtained the position of State Commander for the AMVETS Department of Ohio. He tells current and future students the key to success starts in school, "take it serious, what you learn here can save you out on the street."