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

forthcoming Book

Mullin, C. M., & Snyder, M. (2026). Higher Education Finance Research: Policy, Politics, and Practice, second edition. Emerald PublishersIn the second edition of Higher Education Finance Research: Policy, Politics, and Practice readers will find a coherent presentation of the history, definitions of terms, sources of data, and applicable research methods. While maintaining the core concepts of the First Edition, this new edition augments discussions with advancements in policy and practice over the past decade.Published October 19, 2026
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Writing

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

CURRENT

  • Mullin, C. M. & Intentional Futures. (2026, July). America's Trusted Talent System. Lumina Foundation

  • Mullin, C. M. (2026, May 17). The data part of Workforce Pell. CCDaily

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

CAREER

  • 3: Co-authored books

  • 5: Books as co-editor

  • 31: 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 insightful commentary connecting various audiences to the information they need.

CURRENT

  • (2026, August 5). Moderator at State Higher Education Executive Officers policy meeting.

  • (2026, August 2). Panelist at the Joint Statistical Meeting.

  • (2026, June 12). Presentation at World Economic Forum.

  • (2026, June 9). Panelist at a U.S. Department of Labor and Education summit.

CAREER

  • 183: National presentations

  • 112: State presentations

  • 68: Presentations at colleges

  • 15: Presentations to international delegations

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

  • 2026: Member, IPEDS Technical Review Panel #72

CAREER

  • 44: National Research/Advisory Board & Workgroup appointments

  • 7: Statewide Research/Advisory Board & Workgroup appointments

  • 7: Editorial Board appointments with three active

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

educating

I taught at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels along with graduate courses at 5 universities and continue to give guest lectures.