Tom Applegate has over 40 years experience in postsecondary education. He has taught and administered both postsecondary career and technical non-degree and degree programs. He has broad knowledge of postsecondary programs across the country. In addition, he has been involved with the development of public policy for many years at the local, state and national level.

Some of his prior leadership experiences includes: Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Career and Technical Superintendents; Senior Director of Business and Industry Initiatives, Association for Career and Technical Education; Executive Director, National Council of Local Administrators; Executive Dean, Austin Community College, Austin, Texas; and Associate State Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education, Ohio Department of Education. Mr. Applegate has served as adjunct faculty at Austin Community College, The Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, and Franklin University.

As a result of his experience and education, Mr. Thomas Applegate areas of expertise include the following: marketing, legislation and policy development, business and industry development, finance, accounting, budgeting, faculty development and oversight, and operational leadership.