About

E. Thomas “Tom” Sullivan is a distinguished legal scholar, higher education leader, and expert in constitutional law and antitrust. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has demonstrated a profound commitment to education, legal scholarship, public service, and academic leadership. Sullivan currently holds the title of president emeritus and professor of law and political science at the University of Vermont (UVM), where he served as president from 2012 to 2019. Under his leadership, UVM saw advancements in student experience, student success, financial stability, and record high money raised in capital campaigns. Sullivan also launched and successfully completed a university strategic plan.

Before his time at UVM, Sullivan was at the University of Minnesota from 1995 until 2012. He was dean and professor of law from 1995–2002 and served as provost and senior vice president from 2004–2012. His earlier leadership roles include serving as dean and professor of law at the University of Arizona (1989–1995) and as associate dean and professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis (1985–1986).

Sullivan’s academic influence extends internationally. He is a life fellow member of Cambridge University’s Clare Hall College (UK) and has held visiting professorships at institutions including Georgetown University, New York University, the University of California–Berkeley, and Cambridge University.

A prolific author, Sullivan has published 14 books and over 75 articles and essays on antitrust law, constitutional law, constitutional history, complex litigation, federal courts and civil procedure. His most recent works include The U.S. Presidency: Power, Responsibility, and Accountability (forthcoming, Cambridge University Press, 2025) and Free Speech: From Core Values to Current Debates (Cambridge University Press, 2022).

Deeply committed to advancing higher education governance, Sullivan has served on AGB’s board since 2024. He has been a thought leader on key issues facing higher education, including free speech, diversity, and institutional accountability. Sullivan has served on numerous higher education boards for organizations such as the University of Vermont, the University of Vermont Foundation, the New England Board of Higher Education, the National Council at Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Minnesota Foundation, and the board of trustees at Drake University.

Professional Credentials

Sullivan holds a juris doctor degree from Indiana University School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude, and a bachelor of arts degree from Drake University. He also received an honorary doctor of law degree from Vermont Law School and a certificate from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education Institute for Experienced Presidents.