Dusten D. Crichton, Ph.D., is the Director of UNO’s Thompson Learning Community. Crichton‘s background as an emancipated minor and ward of the court has driven his passion for advocating for “At-Promise” students in higher education. For the past 11 years, he has led the largest and one of the most successful learning communities of its kind, resulting in over 1,700 students graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. These students are typically among the highest need at UNO each year. In addition to his professional role, Crichton is a father of two teenage boys and a mentor and coach to many. He takes his responsibilities as a father and role model seriously, understanding the profound impact that positive role modeling can have on young people, a lesson he values greatly in his own life.