After more than 30 years at Brown, Lindstrom is beginning his first semester as Dean of the Graduate School. David Lindstrom, the new dean of the Graduate School, grew up in Chicago wanting to become a carpenter. He then attended the University of Chicago for graduate school, earning his PhD in sociology. ADVERTISEMENTNow, more than 30 years later, Lindstrom is beginning his first semester as Dean of the Graduate School. In his new role as Dean of the Graduate School, Lindstrom will face challenges beyond his field of study.