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

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

  • 2025-26: Strategic Planning Committee Member, Florida College Access Network

  • 2024-25: Expert Panel Member, National Secure Data Service, National Science Foundation

CAREER

  • 40: National Research/Advisory Board & Workgroup appointments

  • 6: 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.

CURRENT

  • Mullin, C. M. (2025, April 28). A sure bet that lost me money—and what it says about undergrad degree earners [Blog.]. Lumina Foundation.

  • Mullin, C. M. (2024, December 12). Teetering on the edge: The enrollment cliff nears as higher education hangs in the balance. [Blog]. Lumina Foundation.

  • Mullin, C. M. (2024, July 3). Making sense of credential chaos. Higher Education Digest.

CAREER

  • 2: Co-authored books

  • 5: Books as co-editor

  • 30: Book chapters & Peer-reviewed publications

  • 88: Policy Briefs & Reports

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

  • Bowman, R., Veny, M., & Mullin, C. M. (2025, January 22). E29: Credentials in crisis: Challenges and opportunities in modern education recognition. CET Talks: Accreditation, Learning and Leadership.

  • Burns, H. (2024, December 28). Not every path is directly to college. The Boston Globe.

  • Mullin, C. M. (2024, May 29). Aligning certificates, diplomas, degrees, and emerging forms of credentials [Video]. Lumina Foundation.

CAREER

  • 78: Press mentions

  • 22: Blog, newsletter & press release mentions

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

speaking

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

CURRENT

  • 5/5/25: Panelist at the Florida College Attainment Network Summit

  • 4/15/25: Panelist at the Data Champions Collaborative meeting

  • 3/12/25: Discussant at the AIR CALDER center annual conference

CAREER

  • 151: National presentations

  • 108: State presentations

  • 64: 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