Newsom

College of Behavioral & Social Sciences

Empowering change, advancing understanding

Welcome to the Newsom College of Behavioral & Social Sciences

Named in honor of our founder, Blake Newsom, M.S., President & Chancellor of Living the Dream University, the Newsom College of Behavioral & Social Sciences stands as a tribute to resilience, purpose, and the belief that education can heal, empower, and transform lives.

 

About Our Name 

Blake Newsom’s journey, marked by hardship, perseverance, and unwavering hope,  is the foundation upon which this college was built. Raised in rural Tennessee and shaped by adversity from peers, educators, and even faith communities, Blake transformed his suffering into purpose. Instead of allowing pain to silence him, he forged a mission: to create spaces where marginalized individuals are seen, heard, and valued.

 

His personal triumph over academic obstacles, including multiple failed courses and loss of financial aid, became the beginning of something greater. Working two and sometimes three jobs at once, Blake paid for his education out-of-pocket, refusing to surrender his dream. Encouraged by supportive mentors like Dr. Candy Jones Martorell, he pushed through failure, retook courses, and emerged stronger. Those battles sparked his passion for trauma-informed education, advocacy, and mental health support,  values that now shape the core of LTDU.

Our Commitment

The Newsom College Fosters:

  • Scholarly curiosity and critical inquiry, encouraging students to ask bold questions, challenge assumptions, and engage with research that advances the behavioral and social sciences.

  • Evidence-based understanding of human behavior, grounded in theory, empirical research, and real-world application.

  • Professional and ethical practice, ensuring graduates enter the field with integrity, cultural humility, and respect for diverse lived experiences.

  • Trauma-informed and person-centered approaches, equipping students to support individuals and communities with empathy, resilience, and awareness of psychological well-being.

  • Leadership in research and advocacy, preparing students to contribute to policy, scholarship, and social change.

  • Applied learning opportunities, where students engage in practical experiences, research projects, community involvement, and mentorship to prepare them for advanced study and professional careers.

  • Innovation for inclusive futures, driving forward programs, research initiatives, and education that empower individuals from all backgrounds, especially those historically marginalized or underserved.

At Newsom College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, we are committed to cultivating a learning environment where every student is seen, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our programs combine rigorous academic study, research-driven inquiry, and hands-on experiences to prepare students to understand and positively impact the human experience. By fostering critical thinking, empathy, and resilience, we equip graduates to become leaders, advocates, and change-makers in their communities and beyond. At the heart of our mission is the belief that education is not just about knowledge, it is about transformation, growth, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for personal and societal advancement. Through this holistic approach, Newsom College inspires students to pursue their passions, embrace their strengths, and contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive, understanding, and compassionate world.