“When I was contemplating the value of combining academic and student affairs at a major land-grant university, I consulted Mike Mullen. He gave substantive insight into learning as whole person. Accomplishing academic learning outcomes like leadership, cultural competency and critical thinking in co-curricular activities. I have always valued his focus on the students’ development as a whole person.”
Dr. Dale Whittaker, Senior Program Officer Lead at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
“[A]s Student Body President, I saw Dr. Mullen advocate for students of all backgrounds in rooms students were rarely, if ever, in. When students demanded more of our administrators during difficult times of social unrest, it was Dr. Mullen and his team that did the work every day to ensure students had the necessary avenues to send their concerns. When students told administrators the university was not doing enough for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Mullen and his team were there every time, for every meeting and opportunity to do better. What makes Dr. Mullen a refreshing administrator in higher education is his ability to be honest with students and his colleagues. So often do administrators and professors in higher education shrug off the needs of students. Dr. Mullen was one of the few administrators flexible enough to let students lead him when necessary. Dr. Mullen is aware of the space he is allowed to take as a cisgender white man. Not only is he receptive to critique, which has allowed him to grow as a person and in leadership, but he has also clearly dedicated his life to making higher education a better place for people that do not look like him. He is the kind of administrator, teacher, mentor, friend you want in your corner. I am proud to know him.”
Jackie Gonzalez, former undergraduate and Student Body President at NC State University and Legislative Assistant to NC State Senator Sarah Crawford.
“In 2015, when the University of South Florida was considering some administrative changes to bring greater cohesion and intentionality to our student success efforts, we brought Dr. Mullen to Tampa to consult with our leadership team. We were very much impressed by the model he had created at North Carolina State, and the professional advice he gave us – and the manner in which he delivered it – very much influenced the consolidated Student Success unit that we set up in 2016.”
Dr. Paul Dosal, Vice President for Student Success, University of South Florida
“I formerly worked for Dr. Mullen as part of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA) at NC State University. I would best describe Dr. Mullen’s leadership as decisive, student centered, authentic, and principled. Dr. Mullen takes time to build rapport with students and staff, demonstrative of his genuine investment in supporting people. During my time at NC State, I participated in an immersive race awareness workshop with Dr. Mullen which gave me the opportunity to get to know Dr. Mullen and learn about his commitment to social justice. I can attest to Dr. Mullen’s commitment to action in serving as an advocate by providing guidance, encouragement, and opening doors for others where possible. Dr. Mullen has a wealth of knowledge to offer through his many years of experience in higher education, continued advocacy for social justice, and genuine investment the success of others!”
Christopher Jefferson, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Penn State University
“As colleagues in the ACC, I’ve learned to trust Mike’s thoughtful advice and insight around important issues in higher education. I’ve appreciated especially Mike’s abiding commitment to inclusion. He understands that colleges and universities are institutions capable of transforming systems of injustice and more specifically, the lives of students and their families. Higher education doesn’t represent simply a place of work for Mike; it’s an expression of his calling. No wonder Mike works tirelessly to build integrated learning environments to bring out the best in everyone. He’s passionate, courageous, informed, yet simultaneously humble.”
Dr. Frank Shushok, Vice President for Student Affairs at Virginia Tech University
“During my undergrad work at NC State, I had the very fortunate opportunity to work with Dr. Mullen. My very first interaction with Dr. Mullen was when he spoke up at a program surrounding the documentary 13th. Interestingly, he was not a speaker at the event, but it was his words that every person in the room went home contemplating. In but a few poignant words, he reminded every student in the room what it really means to be an advocate and an ally. He reminded us how important it is to use your privilege to ensure that the silenced voices have a stage. Dr. Mullen was present at most student events surrounding inclusion and diversity. He was always a face you could see in the crowd because being present and attentive for his students was a priority. Dr. Mullen is an amazing administrator and mentor, and one of the main reasons I chose to pursue a master’s in Higher Education Administration. Dr. Mullen fought for inclusion, diversity, equity, and progress. He is nothing short of an advocate, an ally, and a friend.”
Shelsey Hall, former undergraduate student and current graduate student at NC State University
“Mike Mullen served as President and Chair of the Board for the Reinvention Collaborative during a critical period. This national consortium of public and private research universities was engaged in strategic reform of its leadership structure and planning to better fulfill its Boyer Report-inspired mission to foster innovation and excellence in undergraduate education. Mike’s leadership was essential in our success, measured in over 60% growth in membership and myriad new initiatives valued by member institutions and efficacious in ways tangibly felt by students, faculty, and staff alike on member campuses coast to coast. The RC has had no more influential and respected Board President and Chair.”
Dr. Steven Dandaneau, Executive Director of the Reinvention Collaborative and Associate Provost at Colorado State University
“I met Dr. Mullen a few years ago at a point in my life when I was trying to get back on my feet. Dr. Mullen took the time to meet and talk with me about my academic aspirations and future plans. He sponsored my admission to NC State when few others would. I just graduated at the top of my class in a difficult major and I have a job lined up at a large pharmaceutical company. None of this would have been possible without the help, guidance, and sponsorship of Dr. Mullen. Dr. Mullen is a thoughtful, patient, kind, fair, and wise person. I believe he would be a great addition to any university or company and I would be thrilled to work for him given the opportunity.”
Zachary Erlemann, former undergraduate student at NC State University