Tom obtained his Ph.D. in 1966 under the guidance of Dr. Don Hedrick. Tom remained on the range faculty teaching several courses and conducting research into sheep and cattle dietary preferences on western Oregon improved pastures. From 1970 through 1973 he was the first extension range specialist on the faculty of the University of Wyoming. In late 1973 he returned to OSU as the area county agent for pastures and livestock for Polk, Marion and Yamhill counties and in 1976 became OSU rangeland resources extension specialist with statewide responsibilities.

Tom retired June 30, 1992 and continues to live on his 17-acre place near Philomath with his spouse, Gretchen Bencene. Tom is active in the Society for Range Management at the Section and international level, holding numerous offices including SRM President in 1989. He received the Frederic G. Renner Award in 1995. Since retiring Tom was elected to the Board of Directors of the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District and serves as its Chairman. He also is on the Oregon Soil and Water
Conservation Commission and served six years on the Oregon Board of Agriculture. Tom is an active private pilot and serves on the Oregon Aviation Historical Society Board of Directors as secretary.