Doug Thompson, Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. Doug Thompson joined the University of Notre Dame's Division of Student Affairs in June 2024 as the inaugural Executive Director for Belonging and Engagement. In recognition of his contributions and expanding leadership responsibilities, he was subsequently promoted to Assistant Vice President for Belonging and Engagement in July 2026. In this role, Dr. Thompson provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Sister Thea Bowman Center, which is comprised of three key units: Multicultural Student Programs and Services (MSPS), the Gender Relations Center (GRC), and the Office of Student Enrichment (OSE). He leads the Division's institutional efforts in inclusion and belonging and has established a sixth area for Belonging and Engagement to ensure all students feel a genuine sense of belonging at Notre Dame, while intentionally centering and amplifying the experiences of underrepresented communities throughout the Division and beyond.

Prior to his appointment at Notre Dame, Dr. Thompson served as Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he functioned as the institution's chief strategist for diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. In this capacity, he led and developed a multidisciplinary team of professionals spanning the Center for Inclusive Excellence, the Center for International and Cultural Education, and the Academic Support Center, while also chairing the President's Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and leading the institutional Bias Response Team. He additionally served as an Ex-officio member of the Faculty Senate and the Faculty Personnel Committee for Tenure and Promotion, reflecting the breadth of his institutional influence at Gustavus. Prior to Gustavus, Dr. Thompson served as Associate Dean of Students at the Dougherty Family College at the University of St. Thomas and Assistant Dean for Equity and Diversity at the University of West Florida.

Dr. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University, a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University. He further brings a robust set of professional credentials, including the Fostering a Culture of Belonging microcredential (CIC/ACUE), Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)®, Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator, and Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leader Certification.