Former NBA Player
Masters of Education Degree
Inspirational Speaker and Author
Mission Statement
Dean Tolson’s mission is to reach youth across America about the importance of an education and graduating from high school and college. Our purpose is clear about promoting educational values and combating illiteracy among young adults, “at risk” children, and the student athlete. The fundamental goal is to improve the quality of life in all individuals in society and their communities in which they live.
-Every twenty-six seconds a child drops out of high school in America-
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Dean Tolson is a former NBA professional basketball player and inspirational/motivational speaker. He began his life in the ghettos of Kansas City, Missouri and became one of the outstanding high school basketball players in the nation.
He went on to play for the University of Arkansas and during this time served in the U.S. Army, where he received an honorable discharge. Dean’s dream of playing professional basketball was realized when he was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics.
After playing in the NBA for three years, Dean then traveled the world playing professional international basketball for eleven years. At his mother’s encouragement and with the support of UofA Athletic Director, Frank Broyles, Dean returned to Arkansas to pursue a degree in History.
His graduation was featured in Sports Illustrated.
Dean then started a successful carpet-cleaning business in Seattle and earned a million-dollar contract with the Boeing Company—prior to returning to Arkansas and graduating Magna Cum Laude with a master’s degree in Education.
Dean now gives public speeches to youth, sharing his experiences and the importance of pursuing an education and reaching for your goals.
Former NBA Player
Masters of Education Degree
Inspirational Speaker
Dean Tolson is a former NBA professional basketball player and inspirational/motivational speaker. He began his life in the ghettos of Kansas City, Missouri and became one of the outstanding high school basketball players in the nation.
He went on to play for the University of Arkansas and during this time served in the U.S. Army, where he received an honorable discharge. Dean’s dream of playing professional basketball was realized when he was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1974, where he played for three years.
He then travelled the world playing professional international, basketball for the next eleven years. At his mother’s encouragement and the support of UofA Athletic Director, Frank Broyles, Dean returned to Arkansas to pursue a degree in History. In 1988, his graduation was featured in Sports Illustrated.
Post graduation, Dean returned to Seattle where he started a successful carpet-cleaning business. In 2004, he returned to Arkansas to get a Master’s Degree in Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007.
Dean gives public speeches to youth, sharing his experiences and the importance of pursuing an education and reaching for your goals.
