Christopher M. Mullin, Ph.D.

An Education Expert Empowering People and Communities

Serving

I serve by leveraging experiences in leadership roles within governmental, association and philanthropic organizations.

CURRENT

  • 2020 - present: Strategy Director for Data and Measurement, Lumina Foundation

CAREER

  • 2017 - 2020: Director, Strong Start to Finish at Education Commission of the States

  • 2015-2017: Executive Vice Chancellor, Florida College System

  • 2013-2015: Assistant Vice Chancellor for Policy and Research, Florida Board of Governors

  • 2009-2013: Program Director for Policy Analysis, American Association of Community Colleges

  • 2008-2009: Postdoctoral Fellow, Illinois Education Research Council

Advising

I contribute to shaping the national conversation about education by serving in a number of advisory roles.

CURRENT

  • 2026-30: Board of Advisors, Florida College Access Network

  • 2026-30: Member, Open Campus Community College Advisory Council

  • 2024-28: Standing Committee Member, National Center for Education Statistics

CAREER

  • 42: National Research/Advisory Board & Workgroup appointments

  • 7: Statewide Research/Advisory Board & Workgroup appointments

  • 7: Editorial Board appointments with three active

Writing

I am a prolific writer, offering authentic insights on complex issues in accessible ways.

forthcoming Book

  • Mullin, C. M., & Snyder, M. (2026). Higher Education Finance Research: Policy, Politics, and Practice, second edition. Emerald Publishers [https://highered.finance]

CURRENT

  • Mullin, C. M. (2026, February 26). After the buzz cut: Rebuilding the nation's data agency. Lumina Foundation

  • Mullin, C. M. (2025, August 24). How Florida universities became world-class. Washington Monthly

CAREER

  • 2: Co-authored books

  • 5: Books as co-editor

  • 30: Book chapters & Peer-reviewed publications

Informing

I have been called upon to inform reporting in various outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed and EdWeek and many others.

CURRENT

  • Custer, S. (2026, April 23). Higher ed's data problem. Inside Higher Ed.

  • Sourwine, A. (2026, April 14). ASU+GSV 2026: U.S. Needs a Unified Data System for Workforce Programs, Government Technology.

  • Bruns, A. (2026, January). 2026 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT RANKINGS: Bright Horizons. Site Selections Magazine

CAREER

  • 84: Press mentions

  • 22: Blog, newsletter & press release mentions

  • 18: Audio/visual conversations (ex. podcasts)

speaking

I provide engaging, insightful commentary connecting various audiences to the information they need.

CURRENT

  • (2026, April 13). Presentation at ASU-GSV.

  • (2026, April 8). Presentation provided for Lumina Foundation's State Attainment Collaborative.

  • (2026, April 2). Presentation to the State Higher Education Executive Officers Chief Data and Research Officers group, Virtual.

CAREER

  • 169: National presentations

  • 112: State presentations

  • 68: Presentations at colleges

  • 15: Presentations to international delegations

Educating

I engage students across a range of educational levels and settings to enhance their foundation for further learning.

Career

  • Fall 2023: Adjunct, Contexts of Educational Leadership: Advanced Higher Education Finance, University of CincinnatiFall

  • 2015: Adjunct, Institutional Budgeting and Financial Management, University of Florida

  • Spring 2011 & 2012: Adjunct, Finance and Financial Management in Higher Education, George Mason University

  • Fall 2009 & Spring 2010: Adjunct, K-16 Finance Policy Research, University of Texas at Arlington

  • Summer 2005: Adjunct, Interactive Pedagogies, Teachers College Columbia University

  • 2/03-8/03: Preschool Teacher, Tutor Time Childcare, New York, NY

  • 9/02-2/03: Long-term Substitute, New York City Public Schools

  • 09/01-07/02: Art Teacher, Kanapaha Middle School, Gainesville, FL

  • 09/00-07/01: Math Teacher, REACH Charter School, New York, NY

  • 01/00-06/00: Varying Exceptionalities Math & Heath Teacher, Spanish River High School, Boca Raton, FL

Education

  • 2008: Doctor of Philosophy, Higher Education Administration, University of Florida

  • 2005: Master of Education, Curriculum & Teaching, Teachers College Columbia University

  • 1999: Bachelor of Arts in Art Education, University of Florida

Distinctions

  • 2018: Outstanding Young Alumnus, University of Florida

  • 2014: Distinguished Research & Practice Fellow, National Education Finance Academy

  • 2012: Barbara K. Townsend Emerging Scholar Award, Council for the Study of Community Colleges

  • 2012: Outstanding Graduate Award, Higher Education Administration Program, University of Florida

Contact me