Doug Thompson, Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. Doug Thompson was appointed the inaugural Executive Director for Diversity and Engagement in the Division of Student Affairs in July 2024. In this role, Dr. Thompson oversees the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Multicultural Student Programs and Services, the Gender Relations Center, and the Office of Student Enrichment, and leads the Division’s efforts in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Additionally, through this role, he established a sixth unit for Diversity and Engagement within Student Affairs to nurture belonging and inclusion among all students while further engaging underrepresented voices throughout the Notre Dame community.

Previously, Dr. Thompson served as the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at Gustavus Adolphus College where he worked as the chief strategist for diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and racial justice efforts, and supervised a team of professionals within the Center for Inclusive Excellence, the Center for International and Cultural Education, and the Academic Support Center. He also chaired the President’s Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and led the college’s Bias Response Team. Prior to Gustavus, Dr. Thompson served as the Associate Dean of Students at the Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas and the Assistant Dean for Equity and Diversity at the University of West Florida.

Dr. Thompson earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University, his master’s degree in strategic communication and leadership from Seton Hall University, and his doctoral degree in leadership for the advancement of learning and service from Cardinal Stritch University.