Thomas Brown '64

After earning his undergraduate degree at Knox, Thomas Brown earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Yale, then went on to join the psychiatry faculty at the Yale University School of Medicine, where he is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and associate director of the Yale Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders.

A teacher, researcher and writer with a special interest in attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), his most recent book is Smart but Stuck: Emotion in Teens and Adults with ADHD, He also sees patients through a private practice, specializing in assessment and treatment of high-IQ children, adolescents, and adults with attention disorders.

What factors helped you choose Knox for your undergraduate studies?

An alumnus told me of his excellent experience at Knox and helped me set up a visit and interview. I was impressed by the students and faculty I met during the visit and delighted to be accepted.

Describe your Knox experience.

A few of my valued memories from Knox include intriguing talks in the Gizmo with Phil Haring, mind-expanding classes in religion and philosophy with Bill Matthews, digging deep into history with John Stripp and Gabriel Jackson, and countless late night conversations with a wide variety of classmates who helped me expand my curiosity and re-examine my assumptions.

What do you believe is your most notable achievement?

What I consider my most notable achievement is continuing still to be an actively curious and questioning student who remains open to learning new ideas and perspectives each day from my colleagues, my students, my patients, and my reading. Knox helped me get started on this journey, which has taken me to opportunities and experiences I had never dreamed of.

What advice do you have for current Knox students?

Knox is a great launching pad for lifelong learning. Take advantage of its many opportunities for you to learn about skills, facts, ideas, and yourself—both in classes and in conversations with faculty and fellow students.