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Douglas Christiansen, Ph.D.

Vice Provost For Enrollment and Dean of Admissions

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Douglas L. Christiansen is Vanderbilt University's vice provost for enrollment and dean of admissions, as well as assistant professor of public policy and higher education in the Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations at Vanderbilt's Peabody College.

In his role as vice provost, Christiansen oversees the offices of Undergraduate Admissions, Student Financial Aid and Undergraduate Scholarships, Enrollment Management Information Systems, The University Registrar, and Vanderbilt Institutional Research Group (VIRG). He also oversees the Chancellors and Cornelius Vanderbilt scholarship programs and the POSSE scholars program. In addition to Christiansen’s administrative responsibilities, he is an active professor and researcher, having taught at the university level for almost two decades. Moreover, Christiansen is currently serving as a member of the Board of Trustees for The College Board.

Get to know Doug

Where are you from (city, state)?

Salt Lake City, Utah

What did you study in college?

Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Master’s Degree in Public Administration, and Ph.D. in Higher Ed Administration

What’s your favorite Vanderbilt memory so far?

When the Board of Trust approved the Financial Aid Initiative, Opportunity Vanderbilt, which allows us to meet 100% of demonstrated need for all our students.  The belief by the Board of Trust that talent and promise recognize no social, cultural, economic or geographic boundaries has changed the lives of many students and families and will impact subsequent generations for years to come.           

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

Buttrick Hall

What’s your favorite thing about Vanderbilt?

The congeniality of the students, administration, faculty, and staff.  We are a family here, and once you are a member of our family, you remain a member for life.

Describe your idea of a perfect day in Nashville.

The perfect Nashville day is sunshine, 75 degrees, going on a boat with my family on one of Nashville’s many rivers or lakes.

List a few of your favorite music artists, movies and/or books.

Music: Elton John, Billy Joel, and Lady GaGa.

Movies: Remember the Titans, The Rose, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Books: The Great American University by Jonathan Cole, Tocqueville’s Discovery of America by Leo Damrosch, and Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

Hobbies?

Water and snow skiing.

What’s one thing about your personality most people wouldn’t assume about you?

I would love to be the lead singer in a rock band!