Leading...Teaching...Connecting
I work with students at a critical point — when they’re figuring out who they are, what they value, and how to move through the world. Those first few semesters shape identity, confidence, and a lasting connection to the institution. My courses help them find their footing and begin to stretch.
I scaffold the experience with structure, consistency, and care — building not just understanding of the material, but the momentum that drives belonging and academic persistence. Students begin to realize they can learn from each other, not just from me — and when that happens, outcomes tend to exceed expectations, especially in the early years.
I hold a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Temple University and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. I’ve taught at Drexel, Stockton, Rowan, and Rider, focusing on business education, branding, nonprofit leadership, and strategy. I remain active in executive consulting, which sharpens my teaching with real-world context and relevance.
My classrooms are anchored in three standards: Be an Adult. Play Up. Take One More Step. These principles shape culture and outcomes — inviting students to take ownership, raise their game, and develop habits of continuous improvement.
I’ve served as a past president of the Mid-Atlantic Society of Association Executives, a member of the ASAE Research Committee, and currently chair my local Special Education Parent Advisory Committee. These roles shape how I think about leadership, learning, and inclusion — both in and outside the classroom.
For me, teaching is where strategy meets empathy — and where students gain the clarity and confidence to keep moving, even when the path isn’t fully drawn.
Teaching in Action
The moments where students stretch, explore, and practice showing up. Each one reflects the standards I bring to every course, framed within structure and challenge, along with shared responsibility.
View my C.V. | List of Classes Taught | Teaching Philosophy
(Yes, the photos are from generative A.I. - to teach a topic, we need to interact and grow with it.)
VOICES FROM OUR SHARED WALK
Building Community...
I took Todd's BUSN 101 class at Drexel University. This was one of the first classes I took at Drexel and it was wonderful having Todd as a professor. He was great at explaining the material, giving assignments that focused on teamwork with classmates, and making the class engaging. Todd is a phenomenal professor, and his class was one of the best classes I took at Drexel.
Keeping it Real...
Dr. Von Deak is intentional and efficient in his teaching methods. Many of his lectures involved a heavy form of engagement and interaction, unlike the typical college lecture. He didn’t respond to emails with the typical rigid formality that many professors feel the need to uphold–instead, he was down to earth and genuine. He creates a supportive learning environment, trusting his students for their word and offering multiple opportunities for growth.
With Focus on What Matters...
"Putting the student first is not always easy, but it is the mainstay of Todd's work ethic as I have witnessed it over the past three years--Todd is consistent in working to help others achieve their goals in a manner that meets each individuals needs and abilities."
