“Bringing Strategic Insight to Complex Human Systems.”
Dr. Lauren Mullins is a distinguished academic leader, educator, and strategic thinker with over 23 years of professional experience spanning higher education, public management, sustainability, and human rights. As an Associate Professor at the Lucille and Jay Chazanoff School of Business at the City University of New York–College of Staten Island, she is recognized for her thought leadership, multidisciplinary expertise, and dedication to building responsible, globally-minded leaders. Her career reflects a seamless blend of analytical acumen, human-centered research, and a passion for performance and communication.
Dr. Mullins is deeply involved in advancing sustainable and ethical business practices through her work with the United Nations PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) initiative. As the school’s Coordinator of Assessment of Learning, she not only ensures educational excellence but also aligns curriculum goals with real-world challenges. Her ability to build innovative assessment systems demonstrates a rare blend of data-driven thinking and academic integrity.
Prior to her current role, Lauren held positions at Long Island University, Rutgers University, New Jersey City University, and William Paterson University, shaping future leaders across a variety of disciplines. She has consistently served in faculty and program leadership roles, distinguishing herself as a collaborative, mission-driven educator. At Rutgers, she began her teaching journey as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and later became a key figure in developing curriculum that integrated public policy and learning theory.
Lauren’s academic achievements are as diverse as they are impressive. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Rutgers University, an M.A. in Human Rights (focused on Women’s Rights) from Columbia University, a B.A. in Communication and Political Science from Villanova University (where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa), and a Master of Music in Voice Performance from New Jersey City University. This unique combination of humanities, social sciences, and performance reflects her ability to operate in both analytical and expressive realms.
Internationally, Dr. Mullins has contributed to educational initiatives in Canada and South Korea, offering her a global lens through which she views policy, learning, and cultural engagement. She has Spanish proficiency, which enhances her ability to communicate across diverse audiences and engage in multicultural environments. Her global exposure informs her research and gives her a comparative understanding of public systems and institutions.
Beyond academia, Lauren brings a strong foundation in public communication and the arts. A classically trained soprano and active member of the Screen Actors Guild, she combines performance discipline with strategic messaging—skills that have become instrumental in her public speaking and leadership training. Her presentations at the University of New York and elsewhere showcase her clarity, charisma, and ability to engage varied stakeholders.
Throughout her career, she has developed and implemented interdisciplinary courses that bridge theory and practice. Her students and colleagues frequently describe her as an accessible and inspiring mentor who brings structure, vision, and empathy into every room. Her research into work-life balance, sustainability, and public management contributes to academic literature while remaining relevant to evolving workforce and societal needs.
Dr. Mullins also plays an active role in the nonprofit sector. She currently serves on the board of Staten Island Academy and previously contributed to efforts supporting trafficked women. She believes that board service offers an impactful way to extend her commitment to ethical leadership and operational transparency. Her affiliation with the Academy of Management reflects her commitment to shaping the next generation of researchers and educators.
Her personal passions include Broadway, music, family, and community. Whether mentoring students, performing on stage, or developing a strategic assessment plan, Lauren approaches every endeavor with intellectual curiosity and human connection. She embodies a balanced leadership style that emphasizes both performance and purpose.
As she seeks new board opportunities, Lauren Mullins brings a unique mix of deep academic knowledge, international perspective, and operational leadership. Her diverse background across public policy, sustainability, education, and the arts positions her as a valuable asset to mission-driven organizations committed to innovation, growth, and integrity.
Character:
Lauren demonstrates integrity, passion, and a consistent commitment to equity and social good. Her blend of empathy and leadership inspires trust across diverse teams and disciplines.
Knowledge:
With advanced degrees across multiple fields, Lauren brings scholarly depth and interdisciplinary intelligence to every challenge she tackles. Her expertise spans education, policy, sustainability, and the arts.
Strategic:
She is a forward-thinking systems builder, known for aligning educational goals with long-term institutional strategy. Her work in curriculum development and assessment showcases her ability to drive results through vision and process.
Communication:
Whether in the classroom, at the podium, or on the stage, Lauren communicates with clarity, resonance, and purpose. Her Spanish proficiency and global experience further elevate her ability to connect and lead.
