Posted on November 21, 2024
Not everyone’s path to academia is straightforward, and Dr. Ken Yocom, interim dean at the College of Built Environments (CBE), is living proof. His story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, resonating with any student who has ever questioned if the traditional academic path was truly for them.
Dean Yocom admits, “I was never the best student. I worked hard but often struggled in the classroom.” Education was valued in his family, but it wasn’t heavily emphasized. His true learning came from life experiences—working, traveling, and surrounding himself with a diverse set of people. It was only as he progressed through college and pursued further degrees that he discovered each academic milestone sparked more questions than answers. “I kept seeking out opportunities and mentors to support my learning,” he explains. This hunger for knowledge would lead him on a journey that many of us could never imagine.
A Career Full of Twists and Turns
When Dean Yocom completed his Ph.D., he thought he was done with academia. He dove into the public and private sectors, taking on roles that brought satisfaction but couldn’t quite quench his thirst for discovery. The call of curiosity eventually brought him back to where he started: academia. He landed a position in the Department of Landscape Architecture, a place that reignited his passion. “I stayed because of the people—the students, staff, and faculty—and the chance to lead a career centered on creative exploration and expression,” he says.
For the Dean, the best part of his work is learning from others and sharing those lessons. “I can’t think of a more satisfying career,” he reflects. But there’s more than just personal fulfillment; Dean Yocom is deeply committed to CBE’s role as a public institution that directly impacts the lives of Washington’s communities. “Our work in the built environments touches the everyday lives of our communities—where we live, work, and play,” he says with pride.
An Unlikely Path to Leadership
What makes Dean Yocom’s story even more relatable are the moments that shaped his leadership style. He fondly remembers mentors who influenced him through various career stages. “I used to say that I stepped through every door of opportunity I saw and ended up here. But a mentor once reminded me of the privilege of just having those doors,” he recalls. This realization inspired him to work not just for himself but to create opportunities for others—something that shows up in every decision he makes at CBE.
Vision for CBE’s Future
So, what’s Dean Yocom’s vision for the college during his interim tenure? He believes that transitional periods like this hold incredible potential. “It’s a time for our community to come together, recognize our shared strengths, and prepare for the next chapter,” he says. His guiding principles are the “5 C’s”: centering inclusivity, cultivating relationships, creating opportunities, connecting research, teaching, and service, and caring for one another.
Dean Yocom is especially passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, something he believes is the backbone of effective practice. “My own education and career have spanned multiple disciplines, and I’m an advocate for interdisciplinary learning. I think our five departments are reliant on each other. If you’re interested, take that BE course outside your degree—you never know where it will take you,” he encourages.
Fun Facts and Hidden Talents
Dean Yocom isn’t all work and no play. He has a treasure trove of stories and experiences that would make anyone pause. For instance, he’s visited every U.S. state except Maine and held 27 different jobs by the age of 27, from ditch digger to bartender to wildlife ecologist. One of his most adventurous experiences? Quitting his job before grad school and heading to Australia with little more than a surfboard and a sense of adventure. “I spent two months hitchhiking, living on the beach, and working on WWOOF farms. It was a critical time in my life where I really got to focus on who I wanted to be.”
When asked what hidden hobbies he has, Dean Yocom laughs, “Talents? Not so much. I’m average at most things I try.” But one passion stands out—fly fishing. For him, it’s not about the catch but the focus and calm it requires. “It’s about reading the water, making countless adjustments, and being fully in the moment,” he shares.
And when it comes to unwinding after a long day, Dean Yocom’s answer is simple: activity. Whether it’s hitting the gym, playing soccer or pickleball, or taking his dog, Panda, on a walk, staying active helps him recharge.
Words to Live By
If there’s one thing that guides Dean Yocom through life’s challenges, it’s the teachings of Shin Buddhism, a practice his family embraced to build strong, interpersonal values. “Their daily pledge has been especially grounding for me,” he says. One stanza he holds close reads, “Breaking out of my shell, I will share a warm smile and speak gentle words.” For Dean Yocom, it’s not just a mantra but a way to prioritize relationships and approach each day with gratitude.
A Dreamer at Heart
When asked what he’d be doing if he weren’t in academia, Dean Yocom’s answer is both surprising and fitting. “A helicopter pilot,” he says without hesitation. “It combines creative, spatial thinking and would let me build a connection to place from a whole new perspective.”
Dean Yocom’s story is a testament to the idea that the road to success is rarely linear, that opportunities are meant to be shared, and that curiosity is one of life’s greatest motivators. As he steps into his role as interim dean, CBE is in the hands of someone who values learning, community, and a good dose of adventure.