Hello, I am Mike Mullen. My higher education career spans experiences as a graduate student instructor, tenured faculty member, and executive leader. My work has always centered on students. Students are why we do what we do in higher education. My focus continues to be student success, the student experience, access to education, and JEDI issues: Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
My leadership experience started at the departmental and college levels at the University of Tennessee and University of Kentucky in the 1990s and 2000s. Formal leadership positions include serving as (check my CV, below, for more details):
- Acting Assistant Dean at Tennessee (1999-200)
- Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky (2004-2009)
- Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Kentucky (2009-2012)
- Vice Chancellor and Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at NC State University (2012-2019)
As Vice Chancellor and Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at NC State University I provided leadership for the development of a combined academic and student affairs unit comprised of over 580 faculty and staff, over 2500 student employees, nearly 50 programs, departments, and services, and an expenditure budget of about $125M. I was the “Chief Student Experience Officer” for NC State, and my team and I changed how NC State provides services, support, and experiences to all 36,000 students.
Higher education needs to evolve. We must continue to provide access for all demographics of society. Our campuses must environments of equity and inclusion for ALL students. Education must go beyond the technical to include the liberal arts and sciences. We must introduce our students to the wonderful diversity that is our world, and help them to succeed while celebrating that diversity. Our students must be prepared to grow and be change makers in an ever more connected world.
My passion is, and always has been, students. I have built my career around helping students to maximize their potential, in and outside of the classroom. My work has provided me with a deep reservoir of experiences and knowledge around how to provide a student centered environment in a university setting. This work has been accomplished via strategic planning and plan execution, developing visions for what is possible within current constraints, and always with students at the center of the work. My hope is that I can assist others in their work to support the success of all students on their campuses.
For more insight around my thinking, take a look at “What I Have to Say” and check out my Areas of Expertise pages. If my background fits with your needs, I would love to hear from you and discuss those needs. Send me a message!